Sound from differential

[Cody winkler]

Every time I put it in drive it makes a ping like sound from the differential, I have no clue

[CRH]

The first place I would look is for a worn u joint in the drive shaft.

[ijustlee]

Probably the drive shaft ringing as the slack in the drive is taken up. Does it happen when going back and forth from reverse to drive when standing still? Could be a normal sound for that vehicle. Could also be sign of excessive wear of U joints and splines, check to see if you can lube anything on the driveshaft. Could be sign of excessive wear in rear axle parts but if you roll down the road quietly you should be OK. Probable trouble if you hear a growling sound that changes when you go between power and coast, or changes when weaving side to side.

[Cody winkler]

I crawled underneath and wiggled everything but the u-joints all looked good.

[Cody winkler]

Okay thank you I greased everything, it just started a few days ago and only happens when still. Luckily there is no howling which makes me to believe that the differential is okay

[rmkrum]

Verify that the differential has enough gear oil in it. Verify the right viscosity and condition. Don't ask how I found this out the hard way....


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[J. Morgan]

Post 2 had the right answer. (95%)

One or both of the u-joints are worn.

Not to say that it wont last a while longer, maybe a long while, and maybe not so long.

It is very hard to see this kind of looseness in a u-joint by shaking or prying on it, it can be found by getting under the vehicle while someone that you TRUST A LOT sits in the drivers seat with his foot firmly on the brake while shifting from reverse to drive repeatedly.

I would NOT do this with a vehicle on ramps, stands, or a jack.

Superat stultitia.

[Cody winkler]

It was a u-joint, glad it's a easy fix