Differential Question? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

redoo2000 · 09-10-2011, 02:32 PM

i replaced my passenger side axle last night because i was getting and banging sound when i was turning. After replacing cv axle i think the problem is the differential now. Can the differential be changed seperately from transmission and how much does this cost?

1996 camry 2.2l auto 150,000 miles

***Mister_Perkins*** · 09-10-2011, 03:45 PM

Yes the differential can be changed by itself, but you need to either lift the engine up a bit, or drop the subframe and transmission to remove it. The Sub-frame is in the way when you try to remove the axle. I would first confirm that the Differential is in-deed what needs to be replaced. It could just be the Differential bearings that are bad. Grab a hold of the axle right where it comes out of the transmission and push it up and pull it down and see if theres play. if it moves a lot, it COULD be the differential bearings.

You could always remove the differential cover and take a look at the differential itself. Its all 12MM bolts besides 2 (14MM)

redoo2000 · 09-10-2011, 11:14 PM

there is a little play... If it is the diff bearings is this cheaper and easier to fix?

***Mister_Perkins*** · 09-11-2011, 08:54 AM

Cheaper, yes. Easier.. no. You still have to either lift the trans up or drop the whole sub and trans. you have to remove the differential regardless of if you want to just change the bearings or change the whole differential

I would suggest before purchasing anything expensive, get some RTV Silicone and remove the back plate on the transmission and take a look at it. or drop the differential oil and check to see if theres chunks out of it.

Also, It's probably going to be easier for you to simply replace the entire transmission if the differential is bad. If you want to replace the diff. or just the bearings, either way you need to have bearings pulled and pressed.. Which in all actuality isn't that hard to have a shop press them on. It's all up to you though whatever you want to do.

So to recap, what I would do first is to drain the and remove the rear cover for the differential and check for big chunks of metal.

redoo2000 · 09-11-2011, 09:37 AM

Im not sure if i should put over a $1000 into this car. The car runs great otherwise but its a big investment.

***Mister_Perkins*** · 09-11-2011, 09:40 AM

You can buy an entire transmission for $150-$200.00 at the salvage yard.