Growl hiss Or Whine From The Rear Differential - keywords gear moan pinion ring

This PI is being superseded to update recommendations and add administrative details. Please discard PIP4083.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Some of the full size Vans listed above equipped with the 9.75" ring gear rear axle may exhibit a pinion bearing noise from the rear axle assembly. This is typically described as a growl type of noise, but a customer may also comment on a hiss or whine noise. Usually, the noise is present at all speeds from 20 to 25 mph and higher. This is different than a ring and pinion gear set whine that normally is not present until 45 mph or higher, and peaks in a certain narrow speed range.

If this noise is encountered please contact TAC at the number you have been provided.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.