What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Problem with Detroit Locker?

colbystephens

colbystephens

1 ton status
GMOTM Winner
Joined
Feb 24, 2005
Posts
10,967
Reaction score
125
Location
Oregon
I just started having a problem with my rear axle, and I haven't yet opened up the pumpkin to see what's going on. But I thought I'd ask for some preliminary feedback before I dig in.

14 Bolt Full Floater with a Detroit Locker and 5.13 gears.

When I'm backing up, the rear end makes a heavy clicking noise with some loud pops/bangs. This is significantly augmented when backing-up up-hill. So much so, that it bucks like axle wrap, but it sounds like the locker is ratcheting and banging into place.

I don't have this issue in forward motion, and it drives great. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the locker opening up when not under load when shifting between forward/backward movement. It's operating correctly otherwise, because I can feel it lock and unlock like normal while driving.

Thoughts?
 
Sounds like something is broke, I'd bet it's not the locker.
 
Why would I only have symptoms in reverse if something else where broken? That's why I was thinking it had something to do with the Detroit ratcheting in reverse. I need to pop the cover off the pumpkin and see what's going on. Unfortunately, I won't have time to do that this weekend. Grrr.
 
If there is any thing in the gear oil they will be more likely to be run through the ring and pinion going in reverse. Going forward they have to stick to the ring gear all the way around.
I had a retaining clip and bolt for the side bearing fall off and it acted similarly to your description. Fortunately mine didn't do any damage other than destroying the bolt and clip.
 
ChrisPerry said:
If there is any thing in the gear oil they will be more likely to be run through the ring and pinion going in reverse. Going forward they have to stick to the ring gear all the way around.
I had a retaining clip and bolt for the side bearing fall off and it acted similarly to your description. Fortunately mine didn't do any damage other than destroying the bolt and clip.
Click to expand...

That's interesting. And it makes sense. I'm hoping for the best, I guess. We'll see what popping the cover unveils. I'm hoping to get an opportunity on Sunday night, but it's unlikely. I'm going out of town for the weekend, and then have a social event sunday evening.
 
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Gear issues always freak me out.
 
You might just check your pinion play quickly. Highly unlikely but a bad pinion bearing could cause this as well. Seen big trucks loose pinion bearings and run for months with vibrations that the driver complaints are ignored till they destroy the gears backing up a hill to the loader or pulling a lowboy.
It's an easy check before you pull the cover. Just put a pry bar in the u joint and pull or push. Should not see any movement.
 
That's a great tip! Thanks! I've had a lot of vibration lately, but assumed it was out-of-round 38s. I'll add that to my list for tomorrow evening.
 
I thought i commented on this the other night, guess not.

Sucks, didnt you just have the axles set up not that many miles ago?
 
I took the cover off the diff tonight. It revealed nothing. The fluid was very clean, there were no loose bolts. No chipped/broken teeth on the ring gear. Everything looked really good. Didn't see any movement when putting a pry bar in the u-joint. So I'm back to square one. That's good and bad I guess.

Thinking of taking it in to a driveline shop though. I really don't want to blow up my gears and/or Detroit.

Any other ideas?
 
Loose u-bolts?

I'd have someone watch while you demonstrate the problem before taking it to the shop. We all know there's no way they will check it and not find something to fix or throw money at.
 
Try putting it on jackstands, put in reverse, and drive through the brakes. You could even do it with the cover off. Maybe film it and post the video.
 
Russell said:
Strange it only does it in reverse. No chance it is an issue with your park brakes hey?
Click to expand...

Parking brake isn't hooked up.

nvrenuf said:
Loose u-bolts?

I'd have someone watch while you demonstrate the problem before taking it to the shop. We all know there's no way they will check it and not find something to fix or throw money at.
Click to expand...

I checked the u-joint straps, and they're nice and tight. I'll have my wife back it up while I look underneath, I guess.

ChrisPerry said:
Try putting it on jackstands, put in reverse, and drive through the brakes. You could even do it with the cover off. Maybe film it and post the video.
Click to expand...

That's a good idea.
 
Another thought, use a camcorder or GoPro to film while in use. Caught mine axle wrapping and the driveline wagging that way
 
If the u-bolts are bad loose the whole housing could be rolling. I really thought you were going to find the pinion gear loose from dead bearings.
 
colbystephens said:
I checked the u-joint straps, and they're nice and tight. I'll have my wife back it up while I look underneath, I guess.
Click to expand...

Uhhh, might want to review your status with her before doing that. Haven't left the seat up or forgotten to take out the garbage lately have you???
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom