So as I am on my way home tonight, i noticed when I let my foot off the gas pedal, I hear a bumping coming from the rear of the car. I pull over, look under the car, the differential is covered in fluid.

Could I be just looking at replacing a gasket? (hopefully, please God)
If not, how much does a rear end rebuild cost?

 

Hate to sound like an a$$ but that's like saying I saw a truck pass on the street in the window and walked outside and seen my dog laying by the road, is it dead?

You won't know till you go look.

Basically jack up the rear of the car, both sides, put the car in neutral before you do this, and spin the tires and listen for noise/vibration in the driveshaft and rear end. Then pop the seal, drain the rear and do a visual inspection. If all is fine then the rear seal just went caput and needs replacing. If you see signs of damage, either from low fluids or other, then you'll likely need a new rear end (differential/gears/shim kit).

 

Haha, I was afraid it might sound that way.
Today, I put some diff fluid in it just to try and get it to my parents house (not allowed to work on cars in the apartment complex). I backed it out and drove it towards the exit of the complex and immediately turned around because the problem was not helped at all with additional fluid.

Here's a few things about the problem;

1. It doesn't make any noise when accelerating with more than 1/4 throttle. As soon as I put the clutch in to shift, or if I am just driving at a consistent speed, it does it.
2. When I give it more than 1/4 throttle, it doesn't make any noise.
3. There is only a slight vibration
4. The popping noise increases with speed. When I put the clutch in to shift to fifth, it sounds like an assault rifle. But when I am shifting into second, or idling slowly it, the sound slows down (sounds like popcorn first beginning to pop)

The noise doesn't really sound like metal to metal. It's not a clangy type noise. Also it is not a whine or squeel, just a popping/bumping noise that is loud enough for people to look over and make sure they're not getting shot at.

I appreciate the help, guys.

 

Here's a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SOof...ature=youtu.be

 

It sounds like u-joints from the vid.

 

I agree but as stated jack it up and get under there and inspect things. Apply pressure to the drive shaft and look for play. Also inspect the u joints and look for damage or signs that the slips that hold the joint in place are all still in there.

 

Well guys, I do appreciate the tips. I found out the answer today, and it is really quite embarrassing.
The other night, I began changing my brake pads after work. By the time I figured out the special piston reset technique, it had gotten dark and was freezing. In my haste, I didn't tighten up the lugs as tight as I initially thought. I thought about this earlier, pulled over to the side of the road, sure enough the driver's rear tire was loose. Tightened the hell outta them, and the problem is gone.

I would like for everyone to just go on about their business and pretend this never happened....

 

did you do any damage to the threads?

 

Rookie mistake.

 

Noob, shhhh, we wont tell any one, promise LOL.


Hey hun, did u see this.....................