Quieting a noisy front differential howl and wine?

[Lverano]

I've got a 2003 Subaru Outback LL bean with a howl and wine between 30mph and 70 mph, and only on acceleration. I'm specifically looking for anyone who has tried omega gear oil, nano lube additive, or something else that is maybe a best kept secret for quieting things down. If you want to suggest sawdust or raw hamburger, please leave me alone.

I recently added a quart of redline heavy shockproof, but only a slight improvement. I don't have any chatter, and it is a LSD, but I have yet to add any limited slip friction modifier or anything like that. I just want the noise gone...

 

[LeakySeals]

What was the condition of the fluid when it came out? Had it been changed before? Was there a lot of metal on the bolt and in the old fluid?

 

[gathermewool]

Replace the failing component.

 

[Kestas]

Agreed. I don't believe in mechanic in a bottle solutions.

 

[buck91]

I'd be curious to hear some suggestions. Went with used OE gears in the mustang with a VERY reputable shop install. Reasonably quiet, but a little bit of howl can be hear over the exhaust if the radio is off and top up...

 

[Fsharp]

Of course nothing will fix the underlying problem. Something super thick like LOS might dampen the noise.

 

[Rand]

are you sure it has a front lsd?.. and sure its from the front diff.

 

[JHZR2]

My old BMW 318i had a noisy diff. Some folks said that redline would quiet them. Nothing I tried quieted them.

Finally I had it rebuilt and the problem went 95% away. At that point, the specialty formulations racing gear lube DID quiet it further...

 

[Lverano]

What is LOS?

 

[02SE]

Have the Differential replaced, or rebuilt by someone that is experienced in setting up Differentials. The contact patterns need to be correct, the preloads need to be correct, and you need parts that aren't worn beyond spec.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: Fsharp
Of course nothing will fix the underlying problem. Something super thick like LOS might dampen the noise.


That wont work. Its bright stock with low additives.. not usable in something that requires API GL-5

 

[slacktide_bitog]

is it leaking?

 

[Fsharp]

Originally Posted By: Rand
Originally Posted By: Fsharp
Of course nothing will fix the underlying problem. Something super thick like LOS might dampen the noise.


That wont work. Its bright stock with low additives.. not usable in something that requires API GL-5


I wouldn't use it unless for a specific purpose like the OP has. It has no additives, so it will -be compatible with GL-5 lubes. Yes, using it will dilute the additives, but on an already worn, noisy diff, why not?

Originally Posted By: Lverano
What is LOS?


Lucas Oil Stabilizer - Very thick, tacky petroleum. It has a cSt of 110 at 100 degrees Celcius, an 85w-140 is about 25.

 

[Lubener]

Change the lube and run it. It will likely go a long time without issues.

 

[zeng]

a)Tighten up the back-lash of R&P , AND
b)use thicker GL5 oil than spec'ed.

 

[Bgallagher]

Originally Posted By: Lubener
Change the lube and run it. It will likely go a long time without issues.


+1 That is my issue with my Equinox. Had the same whine since 40k. It's 140k without any issues. I give it regular fluid changes, quiets down for a bit then comes back. Nothing too loud but my "trained" ears can still hear it.