[06deep2.4]

Hey all,

Still relatively new to my car. I love it. There are 2 noises that are not really troubling me, but they are ones that I've never heard really and were wondering if they are considered "par" for this car.

Btw, I have an 06, 2.4L car.

1. Whenever I have low rpm's and accelerate, theres a light what I would call "rattle" from the engine. I dont do this often but I heard it this morning driving to work. Is that it just shaking because I'm under revving it? Or something more concerning?

2. At highway speeds, there's a whine coming from what I think is the differential. again, is this normal to be noisy? Whenever I go above 65 its fairly pronounced.

Thanks all!!!

 

[chickenwire]

As for #1 - check your heat shield over your exhaust manifold. I had one of the bolt holes worn right out, probably because it was loose and vibrating. A large flat washer under the bolt head took care of that. Consider using a stainless steel washer.

#2 - dunno. I've not heard it but read plenty of posts regarding the diff noise. I'm sure someone who's experienced it will chime in shortly!

 

[Mayhem]

Hey all,

Still relatively new to my car. I love it. There are 2 noises that are not really troubling me, but they are ones that I've never heard really and were wondering if they are considered "par" for this car.

Btw, I have an 06, 2.4L car.

1. Whenever I have low rpm's and accelerate, theres a light what I would call "rattle" from the engine. I dont do this often but I heard it this morning driving to work. Is that it just shaking because I'm under revving it? Or something more concerning?

2. At highway speeds, there's a whine coming from what I think is the differential. again, is this normal to be noisy? Whenever I go above 65 its fairly pronounced.

Thanks all!!!

#1 I concur, heat shield...been there.
#2 Check the diff or have it checked for fluid levels and or excessive play. If it changes tune while under power and coasting then your headed right direction.

 

[DaveOC]

Hey all,

2. At highway speeds, there's a whine coming from what I think is the differential. again, is this normal to be noisy? Whenever I go above 65 its fairly pronounced.

Thanks all!!!

Many of us have a whine, and it is particularly noticeable in our cars since we are just about sitting on the differential and it is pretty well solidly mounted to our chassis. Mine got very bad on my early '06, and the diff also started leaking in multiple spots about the same time. The differential was replaced under warranty (I had less than 8000 miles on it at the time.) At the time, GM only replaced the entire diff, rather than repair it.

The replacement diff is now starting to get whiny again, but not nearly as bad as the first time.

If you have an '06, there is no remaining factory warranty that is covering the diff. It is an expensive replacement/repair, requiring removal/reinstallation of a LOT of parts other than just the differential.

Replacement parts for the internals are now available, but usually the fix is a total replacement. You then always have the possibility that the replacement unit is also noisy . . .

My suggestion would be to live with it until it becomes intolerable, then find someone to either replace or repair the diff, assuming that the only problem is the noise.

:dunno:

 

[GMCustomerSvc]

Hey all,

Still relatively new to my car. I love it. There are 2 noises that are not really troubling me, but they are ones that I've never heard really and were wondering if they are considered "par" for this car.

Btw, I have an 06, 2.4L car.

1. Whenever I have low rpm's and accelerate, theres a light what I would call "rattle" from the engine. I dont do this often but I heard it this morning driving to work. Is that it just shaking because I'm under revving it? Or something more concerning?

2. At highway speeds, there's a whine coming from what I think is the differential. again, is this normal to be noisy? Whenever I go above 65 its fairly pronounced.

Thanks all!!!

Hello there,

Just wanted to let you know that once you are settled in your vehicle, if you feel that the noises that you are hearing are more concerning than you additionally thought, GM Customer Care is here to assist. We are only a private message away.

Safe travels,

Jennifer T.
GM Customer Care

 

[WillBeck]

Many of us have a whine, and it is particularly noticeable in our cars since we are just about sitting on the differential and it is pretty well solidly mounted to our chassis. Mine got very bad on my early '06, and the diff also started leaking in multiple spots about the same time. The differential was replaced under warranty (I had less than 8000 miles on it at the time.)

The replacement diff is now starting to get whiny again, but not nearly as bad as the first time.

If you have an '06, there is no remaining factory warranty that is covering the diff. It is an expensive replacement, requiring removal/reinstallation of a LOT of parts.

Replacement parts for the internals aren't readily available, so the fix is a total replacement. You then always have the possibility that the replacement unit is also noisy . . .

My suggestion would be to live with it until it becomes intolerable.

:dunno:

Dont we share a rear diff with the CTS's and possibly even the new ATS?

In that case replacement parts should be readily available.

 

[DaveOC]

Dont we share a rear diff with the CTS's and possibly even the new ATS?

In that case replacement parts should be readily available.

Having just done some research, it appears I may have been in some error in my previous statement. GM now does list replacement parts for the differential, so it is theoretically possible to rebuild the diff instead of replacing it, assuming you can find someone that knows what they are doing inside a diff.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I'll review my other messages pertaining to the rear diff.

 

[06deep2.4]

#1 I concur, heat shield...been there.
#2 Check the diff or have it checked for fluid levels and or excessive play. If it changes tune while under power and coasting then your headed right direction.

Is the heat shield something I could fix myself? Im fairly good mechanically

 

[Mayhem]

Yes, I believe it is a 10mm. You might need a wrench for a couple on the back because of stuff in the way. Just raise car up. One side or front if you have ramps. You will see it in middle valley of the car. Check all bolts and see if they are not missing and that they are are tight.

 

[rob the elder]

If you do a google search on solstice forum and differential you will find a number of threads discussing issues from the 07 timeframe. Many are worth reading.

Check to verify that all recalls have been applied to the differential. One is for the vent tube length and the other was for the seal. If you have a limited slip differential, there is also a fix for chattering while turning at low speed. Its an additive.

As long as you have the recalls that apply to your car done and there is oil in the differential, you should be safe and the issue mainly that of excessive noise. There are a couple of cases of loss of oil resulting in catastrophic failure of the differential but this is very rare and you basically have to allow it to go nearly dry for this to happen. I can only remember it happening twice.

Source One Autoparts has been selling factory new differentials for about 70% of the over the counter price. They are parts that were in the stream at the factory to become 2010 Sol and Skys. That might be a possibility. The 06 has a different mounting for the differential from the later cars I believe so check to ensure that you can fit the newer version into your chassis but I believe I have read about it having been done. Check with Dave or Dave at DDM or Performance Autowerks and they should be able to tell you.

Before I swapped out parts I would try some different oils and additives. Some have had good luck with Royal Purple gear oil, others have gone to Mobile 1 gear oil and some have had success with various additives. There are several options. If you do the search you will find a lot of personal experience is available for you to peruse.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.