Friction modifier for front diff?

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Sean Collins

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Hello all tried searching in the forum for insight on this but my Tahoe is one of the AWD ones with 4 LO option only, and didnt find anything lol. The front diff has a low growl too it. Drives perfectly hasnt gotten louder and put 15k on it already (towing atvs and trips to MN). I changed the fluid to Amsoil severe gear maybe hoping to quieten it some but it's the same. Noise happens instantly if you tap the gas or accelerating. I was wondering if a friction modifier other the what's in the amsoil would help the operation of it. Thanks all what's your thoughts.
 

Doubeleive

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Hello all tried searching in the forum for insight on this but my Tahoe is one of the AWD ones with 4 LO option only, and didnt find anything lol. The front diff has a low growl too it. Drives perfectly hasnt gotten louder and put 15k on it already (towing atvs and trips to MN). I changed the fluid to Amsoil severe gear maybe hoping to quieten it some but it's the same. Noise happens instantly if you tap the gas or accelerating. I was wondering if a friction modifier other the what's in the amsoil would help the operation of it. Thanks all what's your thoughts.
front diff growl is fairly common, I don't know of anything that would quiet it down other than to try a different unit
 

SnowDrifter

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Common doesn't mean great though. Mine was making some noise when I got it, previous owner never topped up fluid w/ a leak. Made it 20-25k ish before it started to get exponentially louder. Ran 75w140 in it and a shot of moly, seemed to help noise wise but the thing was just toast.

Unfortunately, there's not much that can be done about it barring a full rebuild / replacement, in which case, I'd just leave it until you hear the thing starting to snowball. The labor is the same at that point. Only difference in parts is if you choose to reuse the ring and pinion, but I wouldn't do that unless you're super strapped for cash, in which case we're back to the argument of leave it alone and ride it out.
 
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Sean Collins

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Oh also before I forget: Verify it's not CV joints or wheel bearings.

CV because no shit

Wheel bearings because it's not a perfectly axial force when torque is applied.
I need to do the LF CV and havent gotten it in yet. When I got my Tahoe I replaced both wheel bearings due to one totally failing and needed a tow home lol.
 
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Sean Collins

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Common doesn't mean great though. Mine was making some noise when I got it, previous owner never topped up fluid w/ a leak. Made it 20-25k ish before it started to get exponentially louder. Ran 75w140 in it and a shot of moly, seemed to help noise wise but the thing was just toast.

Unfortunately, there's not much that can be done about it barring a full rebuild / replacement, in which case, I'd just leave it until you hear the thing starting to snowball. The labor is the same at that point. Only difference in parts is if you choose to reuse the ring and pinion, but I wouldn't do that unless you're super strapped for cash, in which case we're back to the argument of leave it alone and ride it out.
Okay thanks much! I can do the work I have the resources and my boss is gonna look into how much my shop can get it for.
 
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