Chatter
 

'05 E350 V10 limited slip 120,000 miles.

Lately I've been noticing a slight chatter when going around a corner after a stop. As soon as I straighten her out the chatter stops.

I have a buddy with a 2010 F150 and noticed the same thing happens to him.

Is it the rear end?

Is this something to worry about?

Is there a fix?

I would take it to a shop that specialises in rear differentials, definitely sounds like a posi-traction related issue..

Many posi units will chatter when you lift the inside rear wheel. You could moderate the chatter a bit with some limited slip additive, but that will make the gear oil more slippery and in theory cut down the locking effectiveness of the diff when you do need traction.

I had an Eaton posi installed in my '02 when it was new and it will occasionally chatter when lifting the inside wheel on wet pavement, but am not really concerned. It's due for a diff oil change and I might ask for a little bit of extra additive at that time. The Ford OEM trac lock and my Eaton are both clutch type units; there are smoother gear type units on the market, but they all have their downside.

I take my chattering as a sign that my posi is still working....

And then there are pure lockers which are much more abrupt in their action--basically the outside wheel in a turn unlocks and freewheels. The lockers will be much tougher in terms of drivetrain shock.

It really shouldn't hurt anything unless you perceive the chattering as causing violent shocks to the drivetrain.

Good luck,
George

Before adding 1 drop of any additive to any rear differential, take it to a shop that specialises in rear differentials..

Thanks guys. I'll live with it a while, then decide what to do.