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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I know this is a common thing among the OBS (02-06) Escalades. I just wanted to how many of you have had this done.

-Year and mileage when your differiental went bad.

-Was it a rebuild or new diff. ?

-after the rebuild did you notice anything different (other than the noise going away, smoother shifts or better mpg)

-how long has it been since the rebuild ?

-how is the rebuilding holding up ? (any problems from the rebuild or as a result of the rebuild)

I am in the process of getting mine rebuilt and wanted to know how everyone 's rebuilt diff. is holding up. The dealer told me that they only rebuild them and not replace them. Is this one of cadillac's infamous temporary fixes or
does it really hold up? Do they stand behind the rebuild or it is a done deal after the warranty runs out ? BTW: 2004 with 44,000 miles. (started hearing the whining noise around 35K.
 

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2012 Escalade, 2014 SRX
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Re: Differiental Rebuild ? ? ?

There are only gears, clutch plates (some models) bearings and axel shafts in the diffs, the only other thing is the housing and that usually does not go bad. The rebuild should be as good or better than new, as long as the person doing the work has a clue about setting up diffs. Much of the problem is poor lubrication and or bad oil, some of the causes are driving thru deep water and getting water into the oil in the diff, this will kill the bearings over time. Also the stock oils are cheap, lets face it the low bidder supplied the oil, you get what you pay for, and your diff oil really needs to be changed more often than the manual says, if you use synthetic gear oil you can go much longer between changes. By the time you hear the whine it's usually too late, put good oil in and this will help. :)
 

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Re: Differiental Rebuild ? ? ?

Mine went into the shop this morning for a front diff rebuild and another sensor. My dealer says he will have it done today, (I doubt it). I will repost and let you know how it turns out.

2002 Escalade AWD 68,000 miles (Ive noticed the sound since I got the truck at 34k)
 

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Re: Differiental Rebuild ? ? ?

FYI -- Dont know if the mods can update but you might want to check the spelling of the thread title differiental --> differential.

Dont want any probs :thumbsup: Just want to make sure this comes up under a search.
 

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2012 Escalade, 2014 SRX
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Re: Differiental Rebuild ? ? ?

FYI -- Dont know if the mods can update but you might want to check the spelling of the thread title differiental --> differential.

Dont want any probs :thumbsup: Just want to make sure this comes up under a search.
That is not how it's spelled either, it's spelled Differential, and the title is now correct. :) Everyone is happy. :)
 

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Re: Differiental Rebuild ? ? ?

That is not how it's spelled either, it's spelled Differential, and the title is now correct. :) Everyone is happy. :)
I agree and I am very happy now! Nice work Carl! How do you get any work done "editing" if you are always on here like me? I hardly work most of the time so I am on here all the time.

SG
 

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2012 Escalade, 2014 SRX
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I have two big monitors on my desk, I just have to watch to make sure I am posting to the right Forum. ;) My job is answering questions on many different Forums on Zaino, so I really like .........working, yea that's right ;) I really am leaving for the Pocono's now, will be back on luine tomorrow morning. ;) Have a good evening.
 

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Re: Differiental Rebuild ? ? ?

That is not how it's spelled either, it's spelled Differential, and the title is now correct. :) Everyone is happy. :)
Curious but isnt that the same way I recommended spelling it. Oh well, I also want to know how far your shop is from the Horsham area as I probably could use some of your stuff and would like to know what it looks like applied in person.

P.S. I think I remember a while back where you posted about waxing rims with synthetic wax, were you talking about Zaino when you said that?

Thanks

Have fun on your weekend!!! Wish I had my truck :-(
 

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2012 Escalade, 2014 SRX
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Re: Differiental Rebuild ? ? ?

Curious but isnt that the same way I recommended spelling it. Oh well, I also want to know how far your shop is from the Horsham area as I probably could use some of your stuff and would like to know what it looks like applied in person.

P.S. I think I remember a while back where you posted about waxing rims with synthetic wax, were you talking about Zaino when you said that?

Thanks

Have fun on your weekend!!! Wish I had my truck :-(

Now I am confused after fixing the title in this post, and you are correct on the spelling :) I am 10 minutes from the Willow Grove Turnpike Entrance and over look Huntingdon Valley Country Club. Yes my cars and SUV's have only seen Zaino for the last 9 plus years, and yes using it on the rims helps big time. E-Mail me next week at [email protected] , should be around Wednesday and Thursday.
 

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Ok, didnt mean to jack the thread, but to get back on topic. I picked my truck up, they only billed the warranty for 5.0 hours labor so dont know if they did it in that time???

The bad part is I still hear the sound, it must be something else it seems to vary with the engine speed. But definitely during initial acceleration and final deceleration. (I guess in the middle the engine is loud enough to hide the sound?). Any ideas anyone??

P.S. They wouldnt tell me price, I really would like to know if I have at least recouped cost on the warranty, even though I know that is already gone...
 

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1992 STS / 2005 MB G500 / 2003 STS / 2006 XLR-V
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What is the cost of a rebuild? How do you know you need one?
1000-1500.00. Whining, moaning, chattering, grinding sounds coming from the differential at any given speed are good indicators the front diff is shot.

Ive got some whine between 45 and 50mph so Im gonna throw some Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer in it this weekend. I already put a little bit in over the weekend but the crap comes out SOOO SLOW its nearly impossible to do without a pump. I got a little hand pump and ill try it again sometime this week. Doubt it will do anything, but ill report back my findings.
 

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2012 Escalade, 2014 SRX
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Large wheels and tires probably do more harm to the front diff, and the front wheel bearings than the rear diff. Large wheels and tires 24's and 26's weigh a lot more than the truck was designed for, it's unsprung weight which effects braking, handling and ride and eats up braks and suspension parts.
 

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Just had mine rebuilt. Funny thing is, my wife complained about the noise many moons ago and I blamed it on the tire treads causing a low sustained hum/whine... Oh well, guess she was right <bows in humility>.

Just FYI, mine is a 2004 ESV with around 55k on it. It seems like the sound was always there, then again the music is always on so not paying attention. What peeves me off is I took it in for the 45k+ service and they charged me $200 for front diff. flushing (among others, such as rear, tranny, etc.). Then, they identify crapped out diff.. Got a call in to see if I am getting double charged here (since new oil would be part of warrantee coverage, shouldn't have paid the $200).

Here's the labor & parts breakdown:

5 hours to Remove and Rebuild Front Carrier (GMPP Extended Warranty):
Case 5.510
Gear Kit 5.527
Seal 5.469
Bearing 6.056
Seal 6.056
Bearing 5.484
Brg Asm-R 5.447
Bearing 5.536
Gear Set 5.529
Lock Diff 5.537
Gear Lubr 8.800
Shim 5.460
Connector 6.008

Not knowing part breakdown, that sounds like more than just the diff. Anyone know what the additional items (front carrier) is? I did complain that I was getting knocking on high speed turns - especially when braking such as coming off freeway. Guessed it was the intermediary, he said no at the time.

Cheers
 

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2003 Escalade
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I had my diff. Rebuilt at about 60000 miles and I had the whine afterwards too. What the problem was that the technician didn't space the helical gears properly. You need to shim right on the money or the gear engagement will not be proper. I also found out that i had a wheel bearing going out too. Jack up the sides and grab a wheel to see if they are tight in the bearing.

Hope all gets fixed.
 
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