Noisy diff, can oil change make it better?

[AndyTTR]

The center diff in my mum's '96 Rav4 is cactus - it makes a loud rumbling / rattling sound when the car is moving slowly (two learners and a P plate driver will do that to a car i guess ). I've noticed that once the car heats up the noise goes away - so i was wondering, if i put a thicker gear oil in the transfer case could it lessen the noise? its only a bandaid fix until mum decides whether to sell or keep the car.

I've got a replacment diff, but to change it pretty much everything in the engine bay under the engine has to come out (cross members, steering rack, exhaust etc.). If changing the oil makes it better i've saved myself a lot of effort!

So, what would you guys recommend - going thinner or thicker with the oil? Its supposed to have 75W90 in it. Should i try 80W90 or just a straight 90?

Thanks,
Andy

[IN 05 NT]

yeah mate an oil change will do it good,

i just chnged the oil in the celica diff,,,,, (the oil was only 3 months old!!!),

i thought id check the level, but the oil was METALIC SILVER in coulour, ive been punishing the shite out of it but though, and is alot quiter now then b4,

you can get new stuff called BOX QUIET...or simillar, 120w thick! and should bring the noise down in the diff,

$20 for a littkle tube of it, repco...auto one and the like

blake

[ra23celica]

I have used a tube of G70 for about $20 from Repco along with new oil in my T series diff when it started to moan and howl and while it still does, its a lot quieter and longer between moans than it used to be before...