I just took the TR6 for two 10 minute test drives following my second rebuild
of the differential (I remembered to fill it with lubricant this time). After
the first run I brought the car back in the garage and did a visual inspection
underneath. Everything seemed okay. The differential felt warm to the touch.
I immediately went back out for a second test run. As I was heading about a
mile uphill along a winding road, I started to hear a low hum come from the
rear of the car. I may just be feeling the paranoia of rebuilding something
for the first time, okay 2nd, but it seemed like there was an ever-so subtle
feel (vibration?) along with it. The hum continued down the hill and on level
ground as I headed home, and it didn't matter whether I was free wheeling or in
gear. At home, I crawled underneath and checked everything out. Again things
seemed okay. The differential felt much warmer this time. Some might describe
it as hot, but it wasn't so hot I couldn't leave my hand on it. But definitely
some heat there.
I know most people don't get close and personal with their differential, but do
any of you have an idea on how warm a differential normally gets when you're
driving, especially on a 20 minute drive? I know there's some friction
happening in there to cause some heat, but how much is reasonable?
Could the hum be symptomatic of too close a tolerance between the pinion and
crown? Do any of you have experience with rebuilt differentials? Is there a
break-in period that included any humming noise?
By the way, the rear suspension has all recently been redone, but the tires are
the same. Perhaps it's so much quieter back there now, that I never realized
the hum was always there before. Thanks for any opinions that get offered.
Mike
Corvallis, OR
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