How can I tell if my Auburn is worn out?

[Mastiff]

This is an old Auburn. Actually, it was probably installed 15 years ago. I don't put many miles on the truck though. I bet it's got maybe 30k miles on it, tops. The front has very little usage. Anyway, it is engaged when sitting still/driving straight. By engaged I mean the side gears are locked up. I think it just breaks free when there is enough differential torque.

People rip on LSD's all the time, but I can tell you it was a huge difference. When I got it installed I went out to Asuza (?) ORV area outside LA and just walked up inclines that I had to power up (tires spinning) before. No doubt for serious rock crawling where you have a tire hanging in mid air, they aren't nearly as useful, but it's night and day compared to open diff.

Having said that, if I had it to do over I'd definitely have a detroit in the back. Not sure about the front.

 

[Mastiff]

Ugh. I did my axle seal job and tried Mobil 1 75-90 LS:

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil1_Synthetic_Gear_Lubricant_LS_75W-90.asp

Notice the "LS". My rear axle sounds like it's going to explode. WTF "Excellent limited slip performance".

Of course I went to pains to seal the diff up so it wouldn't leak and now I'll probably have to dump $25 worth of synthetic oil and toss a gasket.

Do you guys think I should double down and put LSD additive in the synthetic, or do I have to start over? I don't really understand what's going on, is the synthetic too slippery? Because I thought that was the point of the additive. I figured the down side would be that it wouldn't hold very well.

 

[frankin5]

I told you not to use synthetic oil. Auburns will not work with syn oil per manufactor

 

[Mastiff]

I told you not to use synthetic oil. Auburns will not work with syn oil per manufactor

I know. The stupid stuff said it was for limited slips... I tried to surf the auburn site but could find anything useful. Do you have a link?

 

[rufusbooth]

Pulled from the installation manual for limited slip difs, not sure if this is your model but...

-IMPORTANT LUBRICANT NOTE-
The Auburn Gear limited-slip differential design has been extensively tested with high quality
non-synthetic 80W90 hypoid oils treated with GM or Ford friction additives (3 oz. of additive
will treat 1 quart of oil). To avoid differential clutch chatter (noise) and for optimum
performance, use the oil and additive described above. Use of other additive and oil types may
cause differential clutch chatter.
! Ford Part Number: C8A219B546A
! GM Part Number: 1052358

Link to manual:
http://www.auburngear.com/aftermark...ent_categories.aspx?currentpage=0&pagesize=20


Cheers,

Rufus

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Most gear oil claims it's good with limited slip diffs, that however, does not insinuate that it has the LS additive in it. You definitely need to add that too.

If I were you I'd pull a little oil out of the fill hole and then add LS additive and see where that gets you.

 

[chulisohombre]

we both gave you the warning per manufacturer.i would drain it and put in the correct oil plus correct gm additive.it sux that you spent the extra money on the wrong stuff.it says it is good for limited slips,but the manufacturer says the auburn does not work with any synthetic oil.read the manual that was posted.i would make sure you clean all the synthesic oil you can out of the diff before you refill it.sorry dude.hopefully that is all it needs then.

 

[Mastiff]

we both gave you the warning per manufacturer.i would drain it and put in the correct oil plus correct gm additive.it sux that you spent the extra money on the wrong stuff.it says it is good for limited slips,but the manufacturer says the auburn does not work with any synthetic oil.read the manual that was posted.i would make sure you clean all the synthesic oil you can out of the diff before you refill it.sorry dude.hopefully that is all it needs then.

Yeah I know. I actually thought you were contradicting the first person who said not to use synthetic in your post that said to read the bottle. I went to other forums and guys claimed to be using synthetic with no problems. They did use additive though. I always like to put quality stuff in, I'm a sucker for that. Anyway, I'm going to roll the dice and put the additive in and see how it goes. I'll report back.

 

[Fordum]

Those Auburns are a differnt breed of cat. They use bronze or steel cone clutches instead of friction material like normal limited slip units.

My factory posi had to have the oil changed or another tube of the additive added about once per year under heavy road driving. Otherwise it would pop and snap going around corners.

I switched to Amsoil 75W-90, with no additive, and it never complains anymore.
In a dry year, I can get two years use without changing.
In wet years, of course, it gets changed after every hunting season.

But I would go by the book for your Auburn.

 

[Mastiff]

Well, I dumped about two bottles of additive in there and it seems to have done the trick. I drove some circles and I think the noise is gone. Whew. I'll know for sure when I drive to work tomorrow.

Now if I can just get my Rancho leaf springs to shut up.

 

[frankin5]

Well, I dumped about two bottles of additive in there and it seems to have done the trick. I drove some circles and I think the noise is gone. Whew. I'll know for sure when I drive to work tomorrow.

Now if I can just get my Rancho leaf springs to shut up.

dumped about two bottles of additive in there I hope it works for you. i used royal purple and GM additive and it chattered til I took it out. It has not made a sound with regular gear oil and Gm additive in ten years.

 

[chulisohombre]

I hope it works.its better oil that you have now.at this point u got 50 bucks worth of lube and additive.hope it stays runnin good 4 awhile now.