Strange noises coming from back

[WhiteS13]

I just switched from a 98 S14 to a 93 S13.  I find that the rear differential (or something else) makes a lot more noise than the previous car.  I'm sure that both my cars had VLSD, they both have ABS.

Can someone tell me how a VLSD sounds like, when it makes noise, and how I can confirm I have one in my current S13?  Thanks in advance!

[yenpit]

if ur VSLD diff is makin any noise ur f**ked! a diff shouldn't make any noise. is it a whining, grinding, scraping, scratching.......??
to check if limited slip diff, raise rear of car and spin one wheel.....if other wheel spins same direction.....LSD. if other wheel spins opposite.....STD diff (open).

[WhiteS13]

It sounds like it's scratching.  What does that mean?  I need a new diff?

[240meowth]

since this is brought up, my car has no LSD, sometimes when i stop my car, a humming noise comes from the trunkish area, it just goes huuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm and goes away, sometimes it even happens when i just turned my car off... wtf is that?  and also, wha's the difference between lsd and Vlsd? and will lsd take more fuel to push?

[gh6o6]

power antena?

[chickenmanq]

Possible it's an ABS booster.  Jeeps are famous for noise ABS units.  I suppose Nissan could have done something similar.

[WhiteS13]

So can anyone confirm what the scratching noise coming from my differential is?  I've jacked up the rear, it spins the same direction.

[WhiteS13]

So can anyone confirm what the scratching noise coming from my differential is?  I've jacked up the rear, it spins the same direction.

[yenpit]

if u really think its the diff, drain the fluid and check it for metal shavings and crud. as the fluid is draining hold a magnet in the fluid to catch potential shavings so you can verify the problem. by replacing the fluid (with the proper limited slip fluid!) it MAY help the situation.
i'd check the rear shocks for that kind of noise, or something rubbing on suspension....good luck!

[WhiteS13]

What fluid should I use for the rear differential with VLSD?  Sorry about all the questions, but I'm still new to Nissan's.

What would you recommend for a transmission fluid for cold Canadian climates?  I don't mind spending extra as long as it gets rid of the 3rd gear grind.

[hideyoshi]

For the rear differential, use 80W-90 oil about 2 quarts.

Are you sure you have VLSD or an aftermarket lsd? I only ask because aftermarket lsds like the KAAZ and Quaife tend to make all sorts of noises.

[yenpit]

like hideyoshi says...80/90 but most LSDs also require an additive. check with www.redlineoils.com . they also make an awesome manual trans fluid that sometimes makes clunks and grinds go away cuz of lubrication advances (MTL #50204)

[WhiteS13]

Thank you for the response guys!

I'm an idiot!  Turns out that the noise was actually coming from the rear brakes, which I addressed lastnight.  Though I'm going to take your advice and drain the diff and tranny fluid because the car shifts a little rough, and has a nasty 3rd gear grind.