Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'99 GMC Savana Van, Whining Rear End
Q:
I have a ‘99 GMC Savana van with a limited slip traction
rear end with 3:73 ratio. The ring and pinion have been replaced four
times. Still the rear end whines in the 45/55 MPH range. GM says it’s
no better or worse than others. Are all GM 1500’s vans, pick-ups
and Suburbans whiners? If so how do I get mine fixed? Thanks for caring!
Mike Row
A:
Four times! Wow! Not all GM 1500 vans, pick ups and burbs are
whiners. The only time my Suburban whined was when I forgot to take it
out of auto 4 wheel drive on a trip back from Montreal. No one else in
the vehicle could hear it. But it had me wondering until I smartened up.
No, GM does not have problems with their 3:73 limited slip rear ends.
Mine works fine as do many of my customers with so equipped vehicles.
It’s possible that the problem isn’t with the gears but with
the housing that supports them. There may be an alignment issue that is
not showing up with standard assembly procedures. How do you get yours
fixed? Keep pushing/whining, sooner or later they’ll get it right.
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