Rear end chatter
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Rear end chatter
Does anyone know what the term "chatter" from the limited slip rear end means? I have a 1992 F-250 H.D. 2 wheel drive with a limited slip rear end. I get a rattle noise under load, I hear it real well thru the campershell. It sounds like its coming from the rear end. I just had the driveshaft rebuilt so I know thats not it. The term chatter is in my Ford factory manual. I'm wondering what the term means. Thanks for the help
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 750
Likes: 2
From: Buena Vista
Rear end chatter
If the chatter is that loud, I don’t think it’s the limited slip.
Do you have the proper lubricant in the rear end?
It should make the chatter noise only when the limited slip disengages like going around a corner.
It could be your transmission.
Do you have the proper lubricant in the rear end?
It should make the chatter noise only when the limited slip disengages like going around a corner.
It could be your transmission.
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Rear end chatter
The transmission was checked at a transmission shop and said to be ok. I don't know about the rear end oil. I had the rear end seals replaced several years ago. No one seeme to know if the oil was changed.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Rear end chatter
Yeah, if it is that loud there is probably a problem that can't be fixed with some lube.
Generally chatter is not very loud. My personal experience is that chatter is felt more than heard. It kind of feels like the tires are nibbling at the ground and slipping a tiny bit. Usually this happens and is felt in slow speed tight turns. Usually adding limited slip additive per specification will cure this. On my F250 4x4 with floating rear axle, I use 2 tubes of StaLube brand additive for a full differential refill. By the way I use Mobil 1 diff fluid. I do the same with my chebby with limited slip and in both cases chatter is eliminated.
A very strong example of chatter can be flet if you stick it in 4 wheel drive and turn slowly on dry pavement, you'll see what I mean.
As far as what is wrong with your rear, I suspect if the problem started after putting in the drive shaft, then something is screwed up. Maybe he put it in rotated out of the proper lineup, I have read on this posting that it does sometimes make a difference to keep the parts oriented the same.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Generally chatter is not very loud. My personal experience is that chatter is felt more than heard. It kind of feels like the tires are nibbling at the ground and slipping a tiny bit. Usually this happens and is felt in slow speed tight turns. Usually adding limited slip additive per specification will cure this. On my F250 4x4 with floating rear axle, I use 2 tubes of StaLube brand additive for a full differential refill. By the way I use Mobil 1 diff fluid. I do the same with my chebby with limited slip and in both cases chatter is eliminated.
A very strong example of chatter can be flet if you stick it in 4 wheel drive and turn slowly on dry pavement, you'll see what I mean.
As far as what is wrong with your rear, I suspect if the problem started after putting in the drive shaft, then something is screwed up. Maybe he put it in rotated out of the proper lineup, I have read on this posting that it does sometimes make a difference to keep the parts oriented the same.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
