Rear Diff noise gone!

[Ratical2]

I have 96 GTS ( you know the one, Blue with white Stripes ) that has been making an odd noise. At first, I thought that it was the rear wheel bearings because if I turned really tight in a parking lot I would hear a whir, whir noise.
Then I noticed that this was only with throttle on. If I coasted thru a tight turn, no noise. So I begin suspect the limited slip wasn't slipping like it should. The car has 21K miles and I believe it has the original diff fluid.
Last night I changed the fluid and now the noise has disappeared.

Rear Diff fluid and friction modifier are much cheaper and easier to replace than rear bearings. So if you hear a loud whir whir whir noise under power during a tight right or left turn, try this first.

Cheers

 

[Camfab]

Diff fluid should be changed at 10,000 miles. The Diff cooks the fluid due to proximity, not a whole lot of air traveling past the diff in it's tucked location. There's a reason Dodge offered a cooler for these cars.

 

[Ratical2]

Camfab,
Thanks for the information. I have only had the car 6 months and there is much to learn. Is the cooler still available?

 

[dave6666]

I'd get that engine oil changed by 25,000 miles.

 

[Ratical2]

LOL- Now that one I got covered. I know when that was changed at least the last two times. It is anybodys guess before that.
I have put 6K miles on the car.
I just have to learn an accelerated maintenance schedule for the other fluids. I guess for a Viper all driving is considered extreme conditions!

 

[dave6666]

Here are a couple of good references.

http://www.yandros.com/Viper/ViperFluids.htm

http://www.dcperformanceinc.com/Nav.aspx/Page=%2fPageManager%2fDefault.aspx%2fPageID%3d330983

 

[Ratical2]

Very Cool! I really appreciate the information. According to the list, all I have left to do now is the tranny fluid, coolant and belt. The schedule you provided is close to the Schedule B in my 96 Service Manual. It is nice to see it in a table form.