Unfortunately, I just had my first differential failure. I took my 2005 Dak in for what I thought was a bad pinion bearing. The service advisor called and told me it was definitely in the front end, and they had a "technical specialist" coming to examine the vehicle. Next day he calls, and says they are replacing the entire front differential at 55,000 miles!

Has anyone else experienced front differential problems? I think I saw something about differential replacement on another thread. This seems a bit extreme, unless there is a very frequent failure rate.

 

Ugh scary, I am just about to hit 55,000 on my 05 also. I have only had an issue with my rear pinion seal. I guess its nice to have a 7 year 70,000 mile warranty to pay for your fix. Better now at 55,000 then 75,000

 

Correct! $100 Deductible beats a $3,000+ repair bill any day.

 

The dealer called yesterday, and said that my truck was ready. Seven days from diagnosis to repair. Not too bad when the estimated delivery time for a complete differential unit was 7-10 days from Milwaukee to Orange County, California. I am still a bit in the dark as to why the entire differential had to be replaced. The only explanation I received was "bad wheel bearing and "gear noise". I suspect that the bearing may have frozen in the race, which turned in the housing, which would only make sense if it was also a pinion bearing.

At any rate, it was repaired in a timely fashion, and they did not charge me the $100 deductible. I hope it stays together!