Differential Whine following Dealer replacement of Driver's Side CV boot

[jwevan01]

Hello All,

 

I'm a new poster, searched for keywords relating to the issue with my 1999 Forester (135K), but couldn't find a specific discussion. Hope someone can help.

 

Noticed a split on driver's side CV boot 2 weeks ago, took it to the dealer who replaced the CV boot (~$210). Usually driven by my wife, who immediately complained of a new whining noise. Took it out and drove it, whine became noticeable at 30mph and increased with pressure on gas pedal. Whine and road noise become equal at about 65mph. Ease off on gas, whine decreases.

 

Took it back to dealer, test ride with mechanic. Mechanic says that it is the front differential, but nothing to worry about. Whine still there, but has changed to lower pitch. Knowledgeable mechanic friend says that I shouldn't accept the "nothing to worry about" assurances. My overall experiences with the dealer for the past 2.5 years have been pricey, but fairly good. However, I am concerned and wondered if anyone in this forum had any thoughts on what would cause the front differential to start whining and what the long term consequences might be.

 

Thanks,

 

Joel

[mtsmiths]

Could the dealer somehow have removed the diff. fluid and neglected to refill it? I don't know how it all works on any specific model, but given the statements of fact, that's the direction I would look. I'd be so deep in that dealers face that they would think they'd grown a new mustache.

 

Nothing to worry about, indeed.

[jwevan01]

Could the dealer somehow have removed the diff. fluid and neglected to refill it? I don't know how it all works on any specific model, but given the statements of fact, that's the direction I would look. I'd be so deep in that dealers face that they would think they'd grown a new mustache.

 

Nothing to worry about, indeed.

Thanks for the response. I don't know if they drained the differential fluid, it seems unlikely, but I will check. They did the passenger side CV boot about 6 months ago, no problems. I'm in agreement with you about not putting up with a repair that generates a new problem, but I would like to gather some information before I return to the dealer. I'm not a complete mechanical idiot, but most of my knowledge comes from trying to keep old beater pickup trucks on the road in my younger days. I'm in over my head with all wheel drive and how changing a CV boot could cause the differential to start whining. I didn't think they would have to pull the axle out to get the boot on, I thought they just needed to take out the connecting pin and get enough separation to slide the boot over the CV joint.

 

Thanks,

 

Joel

[uniberp]

Thanks for the response. I don't know if they drained the differential fluid, it seems unlikely, but I will check. They did the passenger side CV boot about 6 months ago, no problems. I'm in agreement with you about not putting up with a repair that generates a new problem, but I would like to gather some information before I return to the dealer. I'm not a complete mechanical idiot, but most of my knowledge comes from trying to keep old beater pickup trucks on the road in my younger days. I'm in over my head with all wheel drive and how changing a CV boot could cause the differential to start whining. I didn't think they would have to pull the axle out to get the boot on, I thought they just needed to take out the connecting pin and get enough separation to slide the boot over the CV joint.

 

Thanks,

 

Joel

 

Joel, what was the outcome of this?

[Jim C.]

Hello All,

 

I'm a new poster, searched for keywords relating to the issue with my 1999 Forester (135K), but couldn't find a specific discussion. Hope someone can help.

 

Noticed a split on driver's side CV boot 2 weeks ago, took it to the dealer who replaced the CV boot (~$210). Usually driven by my wife, who immediately complained of a new whining noise. Took it out and drove it, whine became noticeable at 30mph and increased with pressure on gas pedal. Whine and road noise become equal at about 65mph. Ease off on gas, whine decreases.

 

Took it back to dealer, test ride with mechanic. Mechanic says that it is the front differential, but nothing to worry about. Whine still there, but has changed to lower pitch. Knowledgeable mechanic friend says that I shouldn't accept the "nothing to worry about" assurances. My overall experiences with the dealer for the past 2.5 years have been pricey, but fairly good. However, I am concerned and wondered if anyone in this forum had any thoughts on what would cause the front differential to start whining and what the long term consequences might be.

 

Thanks,

 

Joel

 

 

I'm having the same problem. Whine started after dealer replaced CV boots. Now they tell me my pinion bearing needs replaced. The car goes to a different shop tomorrow for a second opinion. How did you make out with your problem?

[mphaught]

I have a '99 Outback that I had new front axles put on about a month or so ago. This week a noticed a similar sound that is definitely in the drivetrain. My wife took the car the next day and called me on her cell phone to tell me that the car sounded like a jet engine. I checked the front diff fluid this morning and the the dip stick is bone dry. I am not sure if there is any fluid in the case at all but hope to check it out tomorrow.

[kevinsUBARU]

Definately check the differential oil. If it hasn't been changed recently (30k miles or so) change it. It takes like 15 minutes. Good luck!