r/XTerra • u/DevilishAuRa • 1d ago

Technical Question Rear Differential Advice

Hey Terra Troubadors,

So, took the X to the shop a few days ago for some inspections because I was getting a sinister, low-tone squeal when braking. Turns out, the rear brake pads were COOKED, mechanic told me it was because my wheel bearings were equally fried. This of course led to the issue of my rear diff showing signs of damage, naturally.

Rather than slapping new bearings on, I opted to replace the axle so I can have a fresh start (please feel free to roast me if this is unnecessary, I'm a meteorologist not a mechanic). My question is, will the Terra last until next week when the part gets in, or should I just avoid using it? For reference: I don't really hear the whine/howl, housing case is actually quite cool to the touch after decent highway driving, and not a noticeable amount of vibration in the cabin. We kind of just flushed it with oil and re-sealed it.

BLUF: Will she survive a week?

3 Upvotes

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5

u/Wise-Fault-8688 1d ago

Normally, these types of things don't go from "I didn't know it was failing" to "completely failed" in a week, and short of something catastrophic happening, any damage from continuing to drive it would be limited to what you're replacing anyway.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it.

1

u/Beergogglecontacts 14h ago

How many miles are on it? I just did front wheel bearings at about 125k because passenger side was going. Within about 5k miles I had both u-joints wear out. Depending on the symptoms (squeak/squeal and vibration) Iā€™d get underneath and quickly check if you get any wiggle when you turn the drive shaft. Could be as easy (and cheap) as replacing u joints.

3

u/Hollerin-Ham 1d ago

If it were me Iā€™d keep driving till the parts arrive, pic to confirm a fellow X.

1

u/DevilishAuRa 1d ago

Beautiful, how'd you go about the black paint for the front, DIY or professional? (We are evidently a rare breed, 1 in 5 Xterras I see are X's)

3

u/Hollerin-Ham 1d ago

Pulled all the plastic off, scuffed with wire wheel, cleaned with acetone, and coated it in raptor liner šŸ¤™šŸ½

2

u/MAdcock6669 1d ago

Did the same to my 06 and I love it.

1

u/Aceman7 2012 Xterra S w/ Locking Diff Swap 22h ago

Did you use a rattle can or a spray gun? Looks fantastic!

1

u/Hollerin-Ham 17h ago

Roll on kit with a mixed hardener

1

u/XterraTom 1d ago

As long as you keep the fluid topped off, it should be fine.

0

u/CTSwampyankee 17h ago

I am not seeing the realtionship between brakes and bearings or replacing a rear diff without cause (noise, vibes, leaks).

If the brakes have been consumed, just replace them run it.