Well, crud
I'm not always the brightest bulb. For the most part, I have a very well worked out system for keeping my Lark up on its maintenance. On my checklist is adding oil to my rear differential, as it leaks. About every other week I go through the car and check everything, including the rear differential fluid.
Well, either because the summer has been busy or because I'm a moron (probably more of the latter), I forgot to check the rear differential last time I did the rounds. I may have also forgotten the time before that, but I'm not sure.
So a couple days ago, the family and I went to a cruise in about 15 minutes from home by interstate. When we got off the interstate a few blocks away, I noticed a sort of metallic sound that was especially bad whenever I rounded a corner. I had just put on some new brake shoes, so I thought maybe it was brake noise, and I'd check it later at home.
Eventually I realized what I'd done (or in this case, hadn't), raised the car, and sure enough, that differential is drier than the Sahara. I added fluid, but it's still making the metallic rubbing noise. It's not super loud, but since Thursday it has worsened some.
So remember, if you haven't lately, and especially if it leaks, check that diff fluid!
This would usually be an annoyance, but the timing was especially bad this week, as our minivan with 200,000 miles on it finally gave up the ghost, which means that the Lark is our only transportation. My investment account will send me a check sometime in the next week or two so I can replace the van, but in the meantime, I've got to address this quick. That said, does anyone in relatively easy driving difference from Omaha (or willing to meet in the middle) have a very affordable (as all my cash is going into replacing the van) 3.07 Dana 27 TT axle that's rebuilt or in good shape that they'd like to sell? I'd consider switching to a 44 TT too, but then there's all sorts of bits I'd need to make the changeover, so sticking with my little 27 might be easiest.
Any other thoughts guys? I'm all ears if so, but otherwise, like I said, don't forge to check your fluids!
Well, either because the summer has been busy or because I'm a moron (probably more of the latter), I forgot to check the rear differential last time I did the rounds. I may have also forgotten the time before that, but I'm not sure.
So a couple days ago, the family and I went to a cruise in about 15 minutes from home by interstate. When we got off the interstate a few blocks away, I noticed a sort of metallic sound that was especially bad whenever I rounded a corner. I had just put on some new brake shoes, so I thought maybe it was brake noise, and I'd check it later at home.
Eventually I realized what I'd done (or in this case, hadn't), raised the car, and sure enough, that differential is drier than the Sahara. I added fluid, but it's still making the metallic rubbing noise. It's not super loud, but since Thursday it has worsened some.
So remember, if you haven't lately, and especially if it leaks, check that diff fluid!
This would usually be an annoyance, but the timing was especially bad this week, as our minivan with 200,000 miles on it finally gave up the ghost, which means that the Lark is our only transportation. My investment account will send me a check sometime in the next week or two so I can replace the van, but in the meantime, I've got to address this quick. That said, does anyone in relatively easy driving difference from Omaha (or willing to meet in the middle) have a very affordable (as all my cash is going into replacing the van) 3.07 Dana 27 TT axle that's rebuilt or in good shape that they'd like to sell? I'd consider switching to a 44 TT too, but then there's all sorts of bits I'd need to make the changeover, so sticking with my little 27 might be easiest.
Any other thoughts guys? I'm all ears if so, but otherwise, like I said, don't forge to check your fluids!
If it ain't one thing, it's another.
I'm hoping that the "inflated costs because we live in California where everything is 4 times more expensive than the heartland" price! I'll have to call a couple shops and see what kind of cost I'm looking at if I go that route. How long was your turnaround time?
Comment