Differential chatters when cold

[pure2510]

Did some searching but haven't really found my answer. When my car is cold the differential chatters when making tight turns. To the point where, in a parking lot it's actually pushing the front tires when turning. After it's warmed up the chattering is gone. Only happens when sits overnight and leaving, then within a few miles it's fine. Anyone have any experience with this issue?

Thanks

[sambo32]

Are you sure its the differential, sounds like something the tires will do when cold.

[swexlin]

First heard of this issues. Some of us on here have had diffs replaced for whining, but haven't read about this symptom. Is there any whining at higher speeds under throttle in higher gears? Any driveline clunk (more pronounced than normal driveline lash)? Mine had those issues, but it was fine when cold and at low speeds.

[Steve M]

Had this exact same issue on my Gen 4 when I bought it with ~9,500 miles on the clock. I changed the differential fluid, and made sure to add the friction modifier that's required for proper differential operation. The fresh fluid + friction modifier fixed the issue completely.

The correct differential fluid for the Gen 5 was discussed in depth here:

https://driveviper.com/forums/threads/10104-FINAL-answer-on-Gen-V-Viper-Differential-lubricant-plus-a-Gen-IV-tip?highlight=differential+fluid

Definitely worth a read. If a fluid change doesn't fix the problem, then it's likely the differential itself, which means it'll need to be replaced. Hopefully your warranty is in tact if that is the problem.

These cars take a very small amount of differential fluid for the proper fill, and I'm guessing it gets cooked pretty quick, especially if you do any sort of spirited driving.

[pure2510]

Are you sure its the differential, sounds like something the tires will do when cold.

No noise, no whine, no clunk.

[CNU_Physics]

I think mine is doing this as well. I turn the steering wheel full tilt to the left to back it out of the garage and it makes this thumping noise that you can feel, pretty rough. Then after that I turn the wheel right and it does it going forward just a little bit, then stops. I never get it again. But I noticed, which was the first day it's been very warm outside when I took it out, that there was no thump or any kind of issue when I first backed it out. Definitely related to cold weather. I plan to change the fluid soon.

[Jack B]

Like steve says. change the fluid and add a little friction modfier, cheap fix.



I think mine is doing this as well. I turn the steering wheel full tilt to the left to back it out of the garage and it makes this thumping noise that you can feel, pretty rough. Then after that I turn the wheel right and it does it going forward just a little bit, then stops. I never get it again. But I noticed, which was the first day it's been very warm outside when I took it out, that there was no thump or any kind of issue when I first backed it out. Definitely related to cold weather. I plan to change the fluid soon.

[HISSSN1]

If you have low miles on it and the fluid looks clean just take out 4 oz of diff fluid and add the 4 oz friction modifier should stop the chatter if it is the clutches.

[Jack B]

If you have dissipated the friction modified, it is probably not a bad idea to replace the fluid. It is only an extra 15 minutes.



If you have low miles on it and the fluid looks clean just take out 4 oz of diff fluid and add the 4 oz friction modifier should stop the chatter if it is the clutches.

[pure2510]

If you have dissipated the friction modified, it is probably not a bad idea to replace the fluid. It is only an extra 15 minutes.

Car has 7k miles, differential was replaced for whinning 4k miles ago

[swexlin]

Car has 7k miles, differential was replaced for whinning 4k miles ago

I know when my replacement diff was put in, my tech had to add some fluid to bring it to proper level.

[7TH_SIGN]

Change the factory crap out. My engine oil was changed twice before 1000 miles. I changed the engine oil, trans, and rear diff at 1000 miles. My car now with its current owner has almost 9,000 miles. A lot of the rear diff oils these days have the friction modifier in it already. Get the stock stuff out. This car is so damn easy to replace fluids.

[Mopar'er no car]

Had the same issue on the gen 3. Drained, flushed and refilled with mopar gear lube and the friction modifier. Has been silent since.

[BlueAdder]

First heard of this issues. Some of us on here have had diffs replaced for whining, but haven't read about this symptom. Is there any whining at higher speeds under throttle in higher gears? Any driveline clunk (more pronounced than normal driveline lash)? Mine had those issues, but it was fine when cold and at low speeds.

Can't say have heard those noises. My diff was replaced because of whining.
The new diff also whines :rolleyes: but it's not as bad as with the original one. I'm still going to get it looked at. Those things cost $2800 and FCA was none too happy about it but I don't really care, I don't believe it should make any noise at all.

[swexlin]

My new diff whines slightly as well, in the mid-70 mph range as well, but not nearly like the original one. Even the original you had to turn the radio down, and this one you have to REALLY listen over the road noise, and it seems to be only in that narrow speed range. The better thing about the replacement is, as I already mentioned, the clunkiness is gone.

[quickster2]

If you have low miles on it and the fluid looks clean just take out 4 oz of diff fluid and add the 4 oz friction modifier should stop the chatter if it is the clutches.

You really only want 2.6 OZ of friction modifier in a new fill (assuming the fluid you are using requires it). As other posters have stated why play roulette and just go with new. Too much is as bad as too little. A couple of ounces either way will probably not hurt but if my diff was chattering I would want to go with the factory fill and document this for any warranty discussions in the future. The GEN V factory fill requires no additional modifier.

[Teneck83]

It is the front control arms