Need help. Grinding/Binding at slow speed in turn
 

Got an 82 SC. When starting from a stop and making any amount of turn in either direction I feel a grinding/binding sensation in the rear of the car. It is also noticeable when starting from a stop in reverse. I have never noticed anything at speeds above second gear....may not be turning hard enough at those speeds to replicate the noise/feeling. At first I thought it might be the bearings but after reading about that I don't believe it to be the bearings that have gone bad....bad bearings were described as a droning noise at higher speeds that goes away in a turn depending on which side bearing is gone bad. Hopefully someone has a good idea of what it might be that needs to be fixed. I don't think its in the tranny because the grinding/binding noise/feeling never happens in a straight line...only when turning at slow speed when starting from a stop. Above say 10-15 mph I have not felt the problem. Whats the diagnosis? 182k on the odometer

Smarter minds than mine will chime in shortly, but I do wonder about the axles under side load (turning). If you have not replaced or rebuilt them that should be on your list depending on mileage (<100K you are maybe OK).

It probably wouldn't hurt to re-torque the axle bolts on both sides; your problem may disappear.

binding to me would suggest dry/worn cv joints. but they would normally click and clack along with the binding. wheel bearings growl and roar. if they were binding, they would be really really bad. and easy to diagnose.

Got a limited slip differential in the gearbox?

JR

Bingo! My thought exactly; if the trans fluid was changed, and a friction modifier was not used (if you DO have LSD), then you are hearing the LSD being unhappy.

Not sure if I have limited slip. Its a normal looking 82 SC. Whats the easiest way to determine if I have limited slip?

Look on the bottom of the gearbox for the transmission numbers. Write down everything you see and report back.

JR

should have a #12 in the middle of the number sequence if it has posi.

You can also raise the rear of the car until both rear wheels are clear of the floor, release the e-brake, engine off, trans in neutral, and turn the right rear wheel in a forward direction. As it turns, watch the left rear wheel. If it turns the same direction you have LSD, if it turns backward you don't have LSD. It is also very possible that something internal is failing, so you should drain the trans oil and inspect the drain plug magnet for debris.

Jacked up the rear end...spun tire forward and the other rear tire also spun forward, so the car does have limited slip. again to be clear...the grinding is only when a side load is put on the car. never felt it when driving in a straight line.

Drain the oil and fill with Kendall dino 80w/90 Hypoid GL-5 + friction modifier. I'm pretty sure that our host sells Kendall with the friction modifier already added.

BTW; Congrats on your discovery!

Another local! Welcome to Pelican...

Have you posted the obligatory pics of your car yet?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/wat6.gif

I had the same issue. It would bind then release. I would bet my arm on bad CVs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=claRUYuFW5I&feature=youtu.be

Thanks for the input. Will probably dig into this project in a few weeks (warmer temps) and will report back with the final answer. I'm also gonna take it to goldcrest and have then diagnose it before I start taking stuff apart. I think CV's gonna be the answer. Id be shocked if improper trans fluid resulted in this much binding/grinding

without the friction modifier, the posi unit just makes a low groan as you start from a stop and take a left or right. not jerky or bindy. sounds like something else.