Dodge Charger Rear Differential Problems – Find Out Which Problem Is Your Current One
What is the common problem with Dodge Charger rear differential? In a Dodge Charger, the most mediocre rear differential problem is the differential fails to run entirely. There can be several reasons behind this; nonetheless, the primitive reason is the lack of proper lubrication.
Generally, the lubricating element does not disappear unless there is a leak or other problem. However, we shall disclose the ultimate issues and causes in the rest of our explanation.
In the Dodge Charger, the differential stays in the middle of the rear wheels since it is a rear-wheel drive vehicle. So, you can expect Dodge Charger rear differential problems undoubtedly. Exceptions also exist, like the V6 SXT has All Wheel Drive as the drivetrain, and the differential is in the middle of the vehicle.
Today we shall cover all the Dodge Charger’s back differential problems and their symptoms with causes.
All About Dodge Charger Rear Differential Problems
There are several issues regarding the rear differential, and some are quite difficult to detect.
However, let’s find out what the problems are and how you diagnose a bad rear differential by symptoms.
| Problems | Causes |
| Differential failure | Absence of proper lubrication and oil |
| Overheating Issue | Wearing of gear, low-quality oil, and lubricant |
| Malfunctioning of Wheels | The bad propeller, a problem with bearing |
| Differential Vibrating | Mechanical problems like gear malfunctioning in the rear differential |
Finding The Rear Differential
Before we start our discussion on how to diagnose a bad rear differential, it is vital to understand the general words regarding its differential-like location of it.
In three particular types of vehicles, we can observe the differential: Rear Wheel Drive or RWD, All Wheel Drive or AWD, and Four Wheel Drive or FWD.
The differential stays in the middle of the rear wheels in the case of Rear Wheel Drive, and the driveshaft joins the differential and transmission.
On the other hand, in the case of AWD and FWD, it generally stays in the center of the front and back wheels.
Differential Failure
The first and the most mediocre problem is the failure of the rear differential, and it is similar to differential problems in trucks. However, there are plenty of reasons that can drive the problem. But the most common cause is being careless regarding the gasket.
Symptoms
If the gasket of your Dodge Charger gets hurt and perceives a leak, it will let the lubricating element and oil flow out of it. As a result, you will notice an enormous sound and vibration while paddling the acceleration. But the performance is nearly zero.
Moreover, if your pigeon or ring gear has a broken point, the result is also similar. The vehicle will perform less or completely zero, and the howling sound will be unusual along with vibration.
Implications
The more damage will cost you more to fix, and once the leakage problem starts, it generally does not stop.
Again, if you feel the howling and cracking sound of the gear, you must immediately take it to the expert.
So, you need to focus on the rear differential gasket and the gears’ sounds.
Overheating Issue
Another prevalent but not major problem is overheating of the rear differential. But it is somehow connected with the previous one, which is leaking. A crack on any of the gears can prompt this issue.
However, there are some other reasons behind this problem. The foremost reason is the absence of differential fluid.
Symptoms
The first symptom of overheating issues is the Dodge Charger will burn out the oil inside the gasket. How do you know when a rear differential is bad?
You will face complexities while steering. The vibration and sound that the rear differential generates will blow your mind. And the sound will be like the howling or clunking type.
Implications
Our first recommendation is to consult a mechanic to fix this issue. Moreover, reckless driving can prompt the temperature to rise in the rear differential. It causes the rear differential to operate in a maximum way within a concise while.
Malfunctioning of Wheels
If your vehicle has problems with rear differential, you will surely face this problem; your wheel will malfunction a bit. Moreover, it will become hard to control the vehicle.
Symptoms
The symptom of this problem is pretty mild. If it is not your car or you are an expert, you can barely detect this issue. The prime symptom of this problem is the handling of the car will become hard since the rear wheels and gears will start malfunctioning.
Moreover, if your vehicle’s propeller and universal bearing are bad, you will face the same difficulty.
Implications
If you face the problem and experience similar symptoms in your Dodge Charger, it is sure that you are having a wheel malfunctioning issue through the rear differential.
But, mending is only possible by an expert since it requires unhooking and unloading all the equipment.
Differential Vibrating
Another issue is that the Dodge Charger’s rear differential suffers from what causes a rear differential to whine. It also decreases the performance by many degrees. Like the other problems, the symptoms are almost similar.
The prime reasons are the lack of lubrication and technical problems related to gears and shaft in the rear differential.
Symptoms
It is noteworthy that we can hardly find the problem in our vehicle since the symptoms are the unusual vibration only when the acceleration is paddled. The rear differential and other technical problems’ vibration are almost the same.
Moreover, you must find the source of vibration while you drive. If the vibration is from behind, there is a high chance of a broken differential internally.
Implications
Since detecting the exact vibration source is hard, you can have a general checkup of your vehicle. It will detect and determine the Charger’s rear differential health status.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you tell if your rear differential is going out?
You can observe several symptoms while driving and in your garage. First, in the garage, if your rear differential is leaking oil.
Second, if you perceive unusual vibration and sound from the rear side of your vehicle, your rear differential may be going out.
Thirdly, if the oil is burning out from the rear differential gasket within a short time. Eventually, you paddle if you do not perceive the performance according to the acceleration.
What happens when a rear differential fails?
Straightly, you will not perceive the expected performance. And sometimes, no performance you will gain. Moreover, the sound of the core will start rising like howls. The vibration will increase with the sound. The maneuverability of the vehicle will plummet drastically.
Is it worth fixing a rear differential?
It completely depends on the condition of the rear differential. For minor issues like a leak, lack of lubrication, and others, you can decide to fix the rear differential.
But when it is completely worn out, like the ring gear, pigeon gear, universal joint, or the axle shaft is broken, replacing the rear differential is more fruitful than fixing it.
Can rear differential cause transmission problems?
The differential is connected with the transmission directly through the driveshaft. As a result, both depend on each other in every nook and cranny. Therefore, the rear differential can cause transmission problems, and transmission problems can do the same.
Conclusion
Eventually, we can disclose that we have included the major and the mediocre Dodge Charger rear differential problems. It is hard to determine if your rear differential has a problem; therefore, our foremost recommendation is a general checkup by maintaining an interval of 3 to 4 months.
Moreover, the rear differential of your Dodge Charger may wear out if you ask it for performance by pressurizing it enormously, which means reckless driving.
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Meet our diagnostic technician expert managing all the topics related to diagnosing vehicle problems, especially the problems with ECU or PCM. He is sharing his years of working experience troubleshooting modern car programs and dashboard issues with all. In his free time, Zain is found playing his guitar, tuning a new tune.
