Solution for Diff whine

[AllAboutViper]

Hi,

My Gen V diff has a whine specially at low RPM with higher Gears (5th and 6th)

This issue is there since long time, car is only about 11K Miles,

Car has no warranty because it was imported from the US in my country

I was wondering, in similar cases, as far as I know, Dodge already discontinued the Gen V diff replacement?

So what do Viper owners do in this situation?

I could continue driving the car with the whine, but it is sometimes annoying since the car is Stock and quite

[13COBRA]

Change fluid.

[simon455]

Either new assembly from mopar (latest part number) or find someone that can overhaul existing. No other tricks.

[Steve M]

Agreed with simon…a rebuild is what will be required to stop gear whine. That’s a setup issue.

[quickster2]

Have you changed fluid? What year is the Viper? Thx

[AllAboutViper]

Have you changed fluid? What year is the Viper? Thx

Appreciate all your reply's

Yes Fluid Changed, Same whine after first drive

2016

[Aevus]

Appreciate all your reply's

Yes Fluid Changed, Same whine after first drive

2016

Wavetrac.

[SINIS7R]

Appreciate all your reply's

Yes Fluid Changed, Same whine after first drive

2016

I had a 2017 and had the same issue. The pinion height was set wrong so there was a whine. I was under warranty and got a new differential.
If that is your issue as well then its only going to get worse and you will need a new differential as well.

[Steve M]

I had a 2017 and had the same issue. The pinion height was set wrong so there was a whine. I was under warranty and got a new differential.
If that is your issue as well then its only going to get worse and you will need a new differential as well.

A new differential made sense a few years ago when they were abundant. That is not the case now. They also used to be dirt cheap...again, not the case now. Factor in shipping to the Middle East and it makes no sense.

They can easily be rebuilt...any shop familiar with a Dana 44 could do it (think any shop that services Jeeps). The hardest thing is setting the pinion depth and getting the pinion preload correct, which takes patience and/or practice. That and maybe waiting for parts...not sure what that current situation is like.

[CNU_Physics]

Go with OEM gear set and rebuild kit as well (Spicer).

[Aevus]

A new differential made sense a few years ago when they were abundant. That is not the case now. They also used to be dirt cheap...again, not the case now. Factor in shipping to the Middle East and it makes no sense.



while gen 5 guys have better diff than we have on gen 3 (and 4) the Wavetrac is probably much better than stock gen 5 diff. Also probably around 2,500$ max shipped to middle east... and it's an upgrade, not just a plain fix.

Would also consider going from the stock 3.55 to 3.73 gears (or even 3.91) while playing there

[Toxic]

Since you did ask:

I had the diff in my 14 Carbon replaced under warranty last month. Same symptoms. In my case fluid change didn't help. Hope you find an effective solution.

[Steve M]

while gen 5 guys have better diff than we have on gen 3 (and 4) the Wavetrac is probably much better than stock gen 5 diff. Also probably around 2,500$ max shipped to middle east... and it's an upgrade, not just a plain fix.

Would also consider going from the stock 3.55 to 3.73 gears (or even 3.91) while playing there

The Gen 4 and 5 have the same differential, just different gears (3.07 vs. 3.55).

I'll eventually rebuild the spare I have, and I'll probably end up trying a Wavetrac just to see if there's a noticeable difference. But that's probably gonna be a while.

[AllAboutViper]

Wavetrac.

**Note: For installation a NEW OEM Right Output Flange is needed and Modifications to both Flanges must be performed**

The modification part may be an issue for me, I usually prefer Full replacement, not much Vipers they work on here

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

**Note: For installation a NEW OEM Right Output Flange is needed and Modifications to both Flanges must be performed**

The modification part may be an issue for me, I usually prefer Full replacement, not much Vipers they work on here

Why not remove diff and ship to professional motorsports gear shop. ??? I would suggest upgrading to Quaife ( torque bias dif). ( if you track alot a dif cooler is recommended). Definitely have a professional motorsports gear shop rebuild it. This way you will get the proper gear engagement and they will not use the crush sleeve they will machine a solid spacer. The crush sleeve is a common problem in any differential thats behind anything with a decent amount of torque and tire. A few good shops even have dynos to pre run dif.

[Aevus]

I would suggest upgrading to Quaife ( torque bias dif)

Quaife is another option I heard of but when I replaced my diff I couldnt really find on internet any winner Quaife V.S. Wavetrac, both having pros and cons

[Aevus]

The Gen 4 and 5 have the same differential, just different gears (3.07 vs. 3.55).

Ok, my bad, I heard the gen 5 was somewhat upgraded. But yeah, maybe just the 3.55 thing was considered the updrade (which it is, no doubt, but not really about the diff itself)

[Aevus]

I'll eventually rebuild the spare I have, and I'll probably end up trying a Wavetrac just to see if there's a noticeable difference.

What I noticed (compared to my gen 3's) is better control under straight hard accel, but mostly better control and predictability on corner exit

[AllAboutViper]

Why not remove diff and ship to professional motorsports gear shop. ??? I would suggest upgrading to Quaife ( torque bias dif). ( if you track alot a dif cooler is recommended). Definitely have a professional motorsports gear shop rebuild it. This way you will get the proper gear engagement and they will not use the crush sleeve they will machine a solid spacer. The crush sleeve is a common problem in any differential thats behind anything with a decent amount of torque and tire. A few good shops even have dynos to pre run dif.

I would do that if we had a professional gear shop where I live,

That's why I prefer ordering a complete part which requires no modification while installing

[Aevus]

Maybe your only option would be to ship your whole diff to U.S. and then shipped back to Qatar. Most likely a 1000$+ shipping thing

DHL, Fedex

[FrgMstr]

Quick anecdotal input here, as I was in on the orig thread back to 2015 on this. Had diff "grinding" sounds issues at 13K miles on my 2008 even after diff service with proper Mopar fluid and friction modifier. The local Dodge dealer Viper tech (RIP brother, he died of a brain tumor) suggested doubling up on the friction modifier. We did and the problem went away. I have been doing it this way every since. The car now has 48K miles on it (a lot of hard miles on rallies and race tracks) and the OE rear gears still in there doing fine and still nice and quiet.

[PkB2014]

Looks like the latest part number is 53010743AH. It doesn't seem to be out of stock when I google it. But wouldn't know for sure until you tried to order it. Seems easy enough if it is available. Others can confirm if that's the latest part number or not.

[AllAboutViper]

Looks like the latest part number is 53010743AH. It doesn't seem to be out of stock when I google it. But wouldn't know for sure until you tried to order it. Seems easy enough if it is available. Others can confirm if that's the latest part number or not.

Could anyone confirm if it's available under this part #

Sounds like a reasonable solution

[usmcfieldmp]

Part shows up as available on the Mopar parts website; plenty of cheaper, wholesale distributors, as well. There's a couple listed on eBay, as well.

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-rear-axle-differential-53010743ah

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265464001427



Personally, for the price, I'd prefer a Quaife LSD w/ new gears.

[Aevus]

Personally, for the price, I'd prefer a Quaife LSD w/ new gears.

Absolutely.

[swexlin]

I had a 2017 and had the same issue. The pinion height was set wrong so there was a whine. I was under warranty and got a new differential.
If that is your issue as well then its only going to get worse and you will need a new differential as well.

Same with my 2013. Also had some "clunking" when I got on throttle, especially in 3rd gear. Got a new diff under warranty.

[PkB2014]

Same with my 2013. Also had some "clunking" when I got on throttle, especially in 3rd gear. Got a new diff under warranty.

Yeah, I had one diff rebuild early on with mine, and then later a full new diff. All under warranty. I'm sure i'll need another one at some point, just hopefully parts are still available then.

[Jack B]

The Gen 4 and 5 have the same differential, just different gears (3.07 vs. 3.55).

I'll eventually rebuild the spare I have, and I'll probably end up trying a Wavetrac just to see if there's a noticeable difference. But that's probably gonna be a while.

Except for the stub shafts

[Steve M]

Except for the stub shafts

Yes...the stubs that connect the differential to the axles are different Gen 4 vs. Gen 5 (the Gen 5 uses axles with a bolted flange vs. the Gen 4 which uses axles that slide on to splined stubs with snap rings). Thankfully you can swap between either style of stub depending on what you want to do, hence why I have a Gen 5 differential in my Gen 4. I purchased mine when they were <$1,700 shipped to your door...looks like they are $3,000+ now. I wouldn't even want to guess how much they'd charge to ship one to Qatar.

And if the OP decides to try and have one shipped to Qatar, be warned that I've seen two now that have been horribly packaged. Mine arrived hastily wrapped in a single layer of cardboard with some packing tape, and suffered some minor cosmetic damage because of it. Another member had something similar happen, and had to file a claim with the shipping company. Not a fun process.

One other random difference of note, with respect to the rear cover: some 2013 and 2014 cars had differential covers with the fangs logo (a carry over from Gen 3/4 production). Dodge eventually switched over to covers that simply had the "SRT" logo on them. The ACRs that came later in Gen 5 production had finned rear covers that was an attempt at better passive cooling for the differential housing.

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

Quick anecdotal input here, as I was in on the orig thread back to 2015 on this. Had diff "grinding" sounds issues at 13K miles on my 2008 even after diff service with proper Mopar fluid and friction modifier. The local Dodge dealer Viper tech (RIP brother, he died of a brain tumor) suggested doubling up on the friction modifier. We did and the problem went away. I have been doing it this way every since. The car now has 48K miles on it (a lot of hard miles on rallies and race tracks) and the OE rear gears still in there doing fine and still nice and quiet.

Not a bad thought especially in "all about vipers" situation . Whats the worst that could happen ,you spent 40 bucks and you still have dif problem.

[pokeyl]

while gen 5 guys have better diff than we have on gen 3 (and 4) the Wavetrac is probably much better than stock gen 5 diff. Also probably around 2,500$ max shipped to middle east... and it's an upgrade, not just a plain fix.

Would also consider going from the stock 3.55 to 3.73 gears (or even 3.91) while playing there

I did wavetrac and 3.73. Very Happy

[Jack B]

The bottom line, this is not a major issue and there is not a parts shortage. Any good mechanic can drop the diff in 90 minutes. As Steve mentioned a local vette speed shop can set up a new gear set.

[Aevus]

I did wavetrac and 3.73. Very Happy

did the same last year, now going to 4.10

[Jack B]

Changing the trans gear set may have advantages versus the 4.10??

[Aevus]

Changing the trans gear set may have advantages versus the 4.10??

When I'll upgrade to TR6060, maybe

[Ritroman]

Had a gear whine in my 14 GTS. Got SRT customer service involved. They tracked down a new diff. Was replaced under warranty because the 2014's have a 100k 10y extended drivetrain warranty. Prior to the replacement had the gear oil and oil modifier replaced. It helped but did not solve the problem. The diffs are out there as are rebuild kits.

[CNU_Physics]

So some of you who have had gear whine, Ritroman for example, at what speed are you hearing it? All the time? Highway speeds?

I've been on the fence about discussing this with my Viper tech because I do hear a very faint whine at highway speeds (~65mph). I've always understood that can be normal at that speed even with factory gears, but my 06 GTO (which had a Dana rear) just started out as a faint highway speed whine. Then as time went on the noise got louder, until eventually when I was about to replace it, it was making a metal grinding noise on deceleration. So I'm not so sure what to think with this. The Viper has far less miles on it than the GTO did before it started whining.

I may also have a hard time convincing them that the differential makes a noise because I have R888R's on the back which of course are noisy as well. But I know the difference between the tire noise and the diff noise.

[Cash1333]

So some of you who have had gear whine, Ritroman for example, at what speed are you hearing it? All the time? Highway speeds?

I've been on the fence about discussing this with my Viper tech because I do hear a very faint whine at highway speeds (~65mph). I've always understood that can be normal at that speed even with factory gears, but my 06 GTO (which had a Dana rear) just started out as a faint highway speed whine. Then as time went on the noise got louder, until eventually when I was about to replace it, it was making a metal grinding noise on deceleration. So I'm not so sure what to think with this. The Viper has far less miles on it than the GTO did before it started whining.

I may also have a hard time convincing them that the differential makes a noise because I have R888R's on the back which of course are noisy as well. But I know the difference between the tire noise and the diff noise.

I am also thinking the same thing, mine whines but I am not sure how normal or abnormal it is.

[Steve M]

So some of you who have had gear whine, Ritroman for example, at what speed are you hearing it? All the time? Highway speeds?

I've been on the fence about discussing this with my Viper tech because I do hear a very faint whine at highway speeds (~65mph). I've always understood that can be normal at that speed even with factory gears, but my 06 GTO (which had a Dana rear) just started out as a faint highway speed whine. Then as time went on the noise got louder, until eventually when I was about to replace it, it was making a metal grinding noise on deceleration. So I'm not so sure what to think with this. The Viper has far less miles on it than the GTO did before it started whining.

I may also have a hard time convincing them that the differential makes a noise because I have R888R's on the back which of course are noisy as well. But I know the difference between the tire noise and the diff noise.

Bottom line: I'd say some noise is par for the course, but if it gets worse, you'll eventually need to do something about it (a rebuild or complete new assembly).

My personal experience:

I bought my '08 back in 2011 with 9,500 miles on the clock. Drivetrain was completely stock, so it was still sporting the 3.07 gears out back. I noticed a small amount of gear whine on its maiden voyage home (an 11-hour drive), but didn't think much of it. It started around 60 MPH or so, but you could pretty easily drown it out with the radio.

I started drag racing it back in 2016. Four passes on street tires (with a fair amount of wheel hop on the shifts) caused the gear noise to increase, but it wasn't horrible. The following year I made 4 passes on MT drag radials, and it really picked up gear noise to the point that I knew something had opened up tolerance-wise, and it would only get worse. Something needed to be done, so I made the decision to swap the entire rear out with a complete Gen 5 unit with 3.55s rather than try rebuilding the original.

The Gen 5 rear (brand new OEM from Mopar) was stone silent...not a peep out of it at any speed. To date, I've put 42 passes on it at the strip, all on drag radials (15 passes on 345/30-18 MT drag radials, 37 passes on 335/30-18 Hoosiers). After 10 passes on the drag radials (and an Nth Moto clutch), I started noticing gear whine at 60 MPH. I'd call it a small amount that you can easily drown out with the radio. Since then, it's gotten a little worse, but nowhere near as bad as the stock rear I took out.

I also have R888Rs, and they are noisy as all hell. I can hear the whine over that, but it's a totally different sound compared to gear whine (as you already pointed out). I will end up replacing the R888Rs either this year or next, and I will not be going with them again. I'm curious to see if it makes the gear whine substantially louder (easier to hear) or not.

Either way, I know a few things for a fact:

1. If it has gear whine, it won't get better with just a fluid swap
2. If you like doing hard launches, hard shifts, and doing burnouts, it will likely get worse. How much worse depends on the tire/clutch combo and your driving habits.
3. It is possible for a rear in these cars to make no noise. I likely got lucky, and obviously it didn't last long once I started taking it to the strip, but it was glorious while it lasted.

I'll eventually end up rebuilding the spare rear I have myself, and I'm curious to see how close to no noise I can get. I also intend to run a solid pinion spacer instead of the crush sleeve to set the pinion bearing preload to see if it holds that preload a bit better.

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

Gear whine from trans is completely normal especially for viper trans. Chrysler runs a different gear pitch for the viper TKO trans then TKO mfg trans. Less gear pitch is to increase the load capabilities of the trans and service life since the viper is stump pulling MF. (Infact i think they have actually used 3 different gear pitches over the years) The down side to less gear pitch to increase load capabilities is you will have more gear noise in drivers compartment.

Gear noise from dif is NOT normal on a rubber bushing control arm car. "Dif whine" vs trans gear noise can be hard to define. Step 1 checking for possible dif failure the easy way is to drain oil and use a magnet. Excessive metal chards or slivers on magnet ....BAD and no one every wants to see this. Burnt fluid, speckles of metal on magnet more then likely bearing is going. If you get all three burnt fluid, speckles, chards/slivers = NFG.
Step 2 disconnect drive shaft and check preload on dif. If you have little ( out of spec ) to no preload its possible crush sleave failure or bad initial setup.

[CNU_Physics]

Yeah I agree with you. Manufacturers will say a little bit of noise is normal even for a stock diff. But I've always known that factory OEM gearsets should be dead quiet. Now I have launched the car a few times on these Toyos...maybe 5 times at most. However I'm also not the original owner so I'm not sure what kind of abuse the car saw before me.

Now the GTO did do something before the failure that the Viper is not doing. It was slinging oil out of the pinion nut, so I had to try and attempt to reseal that. I think it was a year or two after that, it began to fail.

I guess I'll just keep an eye on it this year and if it gets louder then its time to replace while I still have the warranty.