S3, Differential whine

[Paul Buckley]

Hi Guys and Gals

I have just noticed a slight whine from my diff when under power, but not on the overrun.
We are experiencing hot weather (31c/ 88f) here in the UK at the moment and I am wondering about the oil in the diff.
Also, there is an occasional 'clunk' from the rear end when setting off from stationary.
What do you reckon would be the most likely culprit?

Thanks in anticipation .....

[mgcjag]

Hi Paul...any oil leaks from the diff....it the oil level ok..Steve

[JJC]

Why not flush out whatever is in there, and replace with new. While doing this, keep an eye out for metal. Might want to run a magnet thru whatever you drain, in case little metal shavings missed your eye. If conditions persist, open it up and inspect. Better to rebuild (not the end of the world) before it might fail on the road. Good luck.

JC

[Paul Buckley]

Thanks for the very prompt replies.
Obviously I am not the only one who monitors the forum every thirty minutes or so!
In between working, of course .....

Nope, no oil leaks, but I think that I might change the oil anyway.
To what, though?
There is some stuff on the forum about oil and additives which I will read with interest.

Anyone any ideas regarding the 'clunk?'
I suppose the U/J's would be the first think to have a look at, but what have forum members experienced?
It is certainly something that involves play, somewhere.

Cheers

[mgcjag]

Hi Paul....what oil does the service manual recomend you use.....what diff do you have..LSD? Non lsd use EP90 with a lsd you need the addative but you can get oil that already has it in.....if a diff has no or very little oil it will clonk a bit when you turn the i/p.....however noise could be prop or driveshaft ujs etc.. Steve

[colin gray]

Get your self some proper LSD oil Castrol and others sell it, Clonks and knocks check everything up to the diff. With the wheels on the floor try turning the pinion flange you will soon see if there is excessive play.
Good luck

[Ole-xke1974]

Nope, no oil leaks, but I think that I might change the oil anyway.
To what, though?

If no leaks, chances are that your diff has no oil in it. It is English after all

In all seriousness, all has been said. Try flushing it and fill up with new oil and LSD additive, if applicable.

Mine has a slight whine, which I'd rather not have, but I'm not going to do anything other that drain and replace, for now.

Cheers and good luck ........ Ole