Rear Axle Clunk and/or Chatter Type Noise on Turns (Drain/Refill Rear Differential Fluid and Add Specified Limited-Slip Axle Additive)

Some customers may comment on a clunk and/or chatter type noise from the rear of the vehicle while making turns.

This condition may be caused by slip/stick of the posi-traction clutch plates due to insufficient limited-slip axle additive. As plates slip and stick, a jumping or jerking feel occurs accompanied by a clunk noise.

Important: DO NOT remove the differential cover from the rear or the two sides. It is not necessary to flush the old fluid from the differential.

Drain and refill the rear differential fluid using the procedure listed below. Add the increased amount of limited-slip axle additive specified below.

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug.
3. Remove the drain plug and washer from the differential.
4. Drain the fluid.



5. Install the drain plug and washer to the differential.

Tighten
Tighten the differential drain plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).




6. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
7. Remove the fill plug and washer from the differential.

Important: Prior to adding the limited-slip axle additive, the bottle MUST be shaken vigorously for at least 1 minute to mix the additive thoroughly, then immediately poured into the differential.

8. Add 237 ml (8.0 oz) limited-slip axle additive, P/N 1052358 (Canadian P/N 992694).
9. Fill the differential with synthetic axle lubricant, P/N 89021677 (Canadian P/N 89021678).
10. Check the fluid level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
11. Install the fill plug and washer to the differential.

Tighten
Tighten the differential fill plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Once the differential fluid has been changed, the vehicle must be driven in 8-10 tight figure eight maneuvers to heat the fluid and allow the additive to be worked into the clutch plates.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: