Any chance we could include the clutch packs/additive issue that is the cause of the diff making horrible noises in tight turning conditions? In my case the above mentioned noises started right after I had the pinion seal replaced, so perhaps after draining the diff to do the seal R&R, they neglected to put the correct additive back in. Or perhaps I just have become hyper-aware of anything diff related. By the way, one rocker panel was damaged during that seal replacement by improper lifting.
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Ron Gibson
Valencia Calif
2007 GXP Sky
way too many answers for this poll with such a small user group. needs to be a yes or no poll.
A yes or no poll really wouldn't have satisfied what people were really looking for. In part, what we are interested to see is the kind and severity of issues. Diff leaks are a completely different issue than clunk noises. Many can have some, all, or none of the symptoms. We chose those that are most commonly encountered, and created combination of them. It won't catch everyone, but most will be able to identify with one of the situations.
My 06 Solstice w/Manual Trans has a problem not shown on your list: Excessive Pinion and Ring Gear howl noise only on the steady pull side, not on decel or coast side. The noise is loudest at a steady throttle range of 35-45 mph which generally means 3rd or 4th gear, but I can also duplicate the noise in the other gear ranges when the engine is under a steady throttle. Since I have had no fluid leaks from the rear diff, I am choosing to take a wait and see approach for now to see if it get worse with more problems than just this excessive howl noise. At some point in the near future I will ask the dealer to fix this noise problem as it is both annoying and embarassing to hear this ugly noise while driving an otherwise beautiful looking and running car. I have 5900 miles on the car and it was put in service on 12-2-05. I first noticed the gear howl noise at about 2000 miles, but the noise has gotten louder this year. /Bob W
Would love to hear your experience with your dealer. I had the same problem as you with my '06 manual transmission Sol. My dealer told me that GM's position was that unless they failed, GM has instructed the dealers NOT to repair/replace rear diffs. Since we don't have the extended powertrain warranty as '07's, we can count down the days until that is no longer covered under warranty. I agree with you, it is totally un-acceptable to me that such a beautiful car should have such an ugly sound. BTW, the manager of the Service Department also said that other GM cars have this same diff and they make the same noise! Unbelievable. And we wonder why Toyota is kicking GM's butt in terms of volume of cars sold. Makes me wanna consider alternatives (e.g. the 08 TT is pretty sweet, has a power top and a decent trunk - albeit it for $16K more)!
My 06 Solstice w/Manual Trans has a problem not shown on your list: Excessive Pinion and Ring Gear howl noise only on the steady pull side, not on decel or coast side. The noise is loudest at a steady throttle range of 35-45 mph which generally means 3rd or 4th gear, but I can also duplicate the noise in the other gear ranges when the engine is under a steady throttle. I first noticed the gear howl noise at about 2000 miles, but the noise has gotten louder this year.
Same noise issue here on steady throttle. I've had the pinion ring replaced, the contaminated vent tube was cleaned and I still have the clunk.
Would love to hear your experience with your dealer. I had the same problem as you with my '06 manual transmission Sol. My dealer told me that GM's position was that unless they failed, GM has instructed the dealers NOT to repair/replace rear diffs. Since we don't have the extended powertrain warranty as '07's, we can count down the days until that is no longer covered under warranty. I agree with you, it is totally un-acceptable to me that such a beautiful car should have such an ugly sound. BTW, the manager of the Service Department also said that other GM cars have this same diff and they make the same noise! Unbelievable. And we wonder why Toyota is kicking GM's butt in terms of volume of cars sold. Makes me wanna consider alternatives (e.g. the 08 TT is pretty sweet, has a power top and a decent trunk - albeit it for $16K more)!
After going thru the following.....1. pinion seal replacement, 2. fluid changeout to solve the clutch pack noise....my tech verified my complaint about geat howl at higher speed AND the clunk, and authorized an entire carrier replacement (9/5/07). I think the "instructions from GM" not to do that was so much BS, perhaps SMALL DEALER could add some clarification as to whether such a directive even exists. The carrier replacement has solved all of the problems, now it's up to me to do a careful break-in, and cross my fingers.
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Ron Gibson
Valencia Calif
2007 GXP Sky
I have had two rears replaced on my 06.....The 2nd one was just recently and it took the BBBA and GM to come to terms.....As of today the rear end of this car is just fine and I hope it stays that way.
I recently noticed a small amount of oil dripping from the differential. I called the dealer and they told me it's probably the gasket. I don't know for sure but I think it's coming from somewhere on top and working its way down. It appears to only produce a small drop after the car is driven. I am new to this forum and seen there is a poll for this problem. Would appreciate some feedback.
'07 Mean GXP - 5,200 miles. I had the car into my Pontiac dealer for its 2nd oil change & I spent a good deal of time inspecting the diff. while it was on the lift. I saw no evidence of any leakage, and have heard no unusual noises thus far. It's been the best new car I've ever had - I haven't had to have anything repaired under warranty at all (knock on wood, spit on horseshoe, cross fingers Yada, yada, yada...)
See how well it reacts to some dragstrip thrashing (I found my helmet a couple weeks ago...)
I drove for three months before I heard the "clunk", but consider it to be caused by driver error, I never use the clutch/gas in that combination under normal circumstances (including aggressive driving). Outside of proving I could reproduce it, I haven't heard it since.
It is a horrible sound, and I would be concerned if it was happening on a regular basis.
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2007 Solstice GXP - Yeller, Ebony Top, AC, NO spoiler, MSRP - ordered 06/09/15 - delivered 07/04/02
and it's pronounced zed, not zee! ;-)
Well took my '06 Solstice in today at 14,500 to have the differential looked at for the same clunking... turns out the dealership called and told me that they need to replace the differential... won't have my ride for a week!
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2006 Mysterious purchased back in June '06... GM CAI and catback exhaust, 15% tint, Moda MD2's, debadged rearend, smoked lights (all of them), painted windshield frame, blackened grilles, blackened rear fascia, and vertical doors. Many more mods to come... I'll keep you posted!
I had a pinion seal replaced and lately I started hearing a rubbing (scuffing) sound when turning. Can't be sure that it is the rear end, but see no trace of a wheel rub. Any one else have this problem. I have posi-traction.
Would love to hear your experience with your dealer. I had the same problem as you with my '06 manual transmission Sol. My dealer told me that GM's position was that unless they failed, GM has instructed the dealers NOT to repair/replace rear diffs. Since we don't have the extended powertrain warranty as '07's, we can count down the days until that is no longer covered under warranty. I agree with you, it is totally un-acceptable to me that such a beautiful car should have such an ugly sound. BTW, the manager of the Service Department also said that other GM cars have this same diff and they make the same noise! Unbelievable. And we wonder why Toyota is kicking GM's butt in terms of volume of cars sold. Makes me wanna consider alternatives (e.g. the 08 TT is pretty sweet, has a power top and a decent trunk - albeit it for $16K more)! 
