Differential Repair Service Video

The differential is the gear set that lets your wheels turn at different speeds while still receiving power from the engine. Front, rear, and center differentials split torque between wheels and axles so a vehicle can corner without binding the drivetrain.

This video walks through where the differential sits on the vehicle and how the ring and pinion gears mesh under load. The gears run constantly submerged in a specific fluid that cools them and carries metal particles away from the contact surfaces.

Wear shows up before full failure most of the time. A whine that changes pitch with vehicle speed points to the ring and pinion. A clunk when shifting from reverse to drive points to worn spider gears. Dark, gritty fluid on the drain plug magnet means the gears are shedding material.

An inspection checks fluid condition and listens for noise under load. It also measures backlash and gear pattern to tell a fluid service from a rebuild. When the diagnosis calls for the full job, our differential repair service handles the teardown and rebuild.

Differentials take a real beating around Moses Lake, where cold starts thicken the gear oil. The pinion bearing runs dry for a few seconds every morning, which is where most bearing wear begins. Drivers from Ephrata and Quincy bring vehicles in with the same early-stage whine.

If you hear a whine from under the vehicle or feel a clunk in the drivetrain, call Affordable Automotive Services at (509) 764-0000. You can also visit the best auto repair in Moses Lake to book an inspection.