Rear differential issues?

thaar · 04-16-2014, 09:11 PM

I have an '09 335i 6AT x-drive with 64k miles. Tonight, the car started feeling funny around slow turns, vibrating a bit like something was slightly grinding and making a clicking noise every so often This primarily occurred when turning right, but happened once turning left (I did a series of tests around my neighborhood). It would also whine a bit under acceleration, almost sounding like someone with an aftermarket exhaust was coming up behind me. When I got home, it clunked pretty bad when shifting into R as well as D. Any ideas? Could it be as simple as replacing the diff fluid, or do you think it's a more serious issue? It's got me kinda nervous!

j1gilles · 04-16-2014, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaar

I have an '09 335i 6AT x-drive with 64k miles. Tonight, the car started feeling funny around slow turns, vibrating a bit like something was slightly grinding and making a clicking noise every so often This primarily occurred when turning right, but happened once turning left (I did a series of tests around my neighborhood). It would also whine a bit under acceleration, almost sounding like someone with an aftermarket exhaust was coming up behind me. When I got home, it clunked pretty bad when shifting into R as well as D. Any ideas? Could it be as simple as replacing the diff fluid, or do you think it's a more serious issue? It's got me kinda nervous!

-CV joint

Tiago@VRSF · 04-16-2014, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j1gilles

-CV joint

+1

thaar · 04-16-2014, 10:16 PM

I thought the same after doing some research, but then the clunking when shifting threw me. Would a cv joint cause that as well?

04-17-2014, 07:07 AM

Are you guys referring to a CV joint in one of the axles, or the CV joint (there's only one) on the driveshaft?

Ingeniator · 04-17-2014, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaar

I thought the same after doing some research, but then the clunking when shifting threw me. Would a cv joint cause that as well?

When stopped the front axle is disengaged. So it is likely 1 of the rear CV joints. If there is play the open rear diff will let it clunk when you load the drive train.

thaar · 04-17-2014, 09:05 AM

Thanks for the help and clarification, guys!

j1gilles · 04-17-2014, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaar

Thanks for the help and clarification, guys!

-Put the car on jack stands and manually spin each wheel. You should be able to duplicate the noise...

04-16-2014, 09:11 PM	#1
thaar Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 2009 335i x-drive MHD Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Centennial, CO iTrader: (0)	Rear differential issues? I have an '09 335i 6AT x-drive with 64k miles. Tonight, the car started feeling funny around slow turns, vibrating a bit like something was slightly grinding and making a clicking noise every so often This primarily occurred when turning right, but happened once turning left (I did a series of tests around my neighborhood). It would also whine a bit under acceleration, almost sounding like someone with an aftermarket exhaust was coming up behind me. When I got home, it clunked pretty bad when shifting into R as well as D. Any ideas? Could it be as simple as replacing the diff fluid, or do you think it's a more serious issue? It's got me kinda nervous!
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04-16-2014, 10:16 PM	#4
thaar Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 2009 335i x-drive MHD Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Centennial, CO iTrader: (0)	I thought the same after doing some research, but then the clunking when shifting threw me. Would a cv joint cause that as well?
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04-17-2014, 07:07 AM	#5
FCobra94 Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	Are you guys referring to a CV joint in one of the axles, or the CV joint (there's only one) on the driveshaft?
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04-17-2014, 09:05 AM	#7
thaar Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 2009 335i x-drive MHD Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Centennial, CO iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the help and clarification, guys!
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