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I just purchased a 2001 Cadillac Catera. When I''m ...

Sent to Car Experts March 31 09:14 AM

I just purchased a 2001 Cadillac Catera. When I''m driving the car and I let off the gas...I hear a sort of grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle...what causes that?

 

Optional Information:
2001 Cadillac Cadillac 3.0L 6cyl

Already Tried:
Well we are replacing the brakes and intend a full service of the car..I'm not applying the brakes when I hear the noise. I hear it when I leave off the accelerator. A transmission service will be done as well.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
March 31 9:19 AM (5 minutes and 18 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
The noise may be coming from the differential in the rear axle. It might be due to a low oil level, so you should have the oil level checked as soon as possible. There is a filler plug on the differential. The fluid level should be at the bottom edge of the opening when the plug is removed. If low, add SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil GM P/N 12345977

If the rear end is still noisy, it would indicate excessive play between the pinion gear and ring gear possibly due to wear or misadjustment. This would require replacing or overhauling the differential.
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Larry -- Automotive technical expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 513 Car Accepts
30 years automotive technical writer, editor & author
Reply
March 31 9:31 AM (12 minutes and 35 seconds later)
         
This is then a major repair if not the oil level. Do you have any estimate on cost for such repair?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 31 9:38 AM (6 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
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Larry -- Automotive technical expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 513 Car Accepts
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March 31 9:41 AM (3 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
Great :( Well thankyou for your help we just bought the car and my husband is a backyard mechanic capable of fixing just about anything so I'll start saving to fix the problem..going with the worst case senario...it's always winds up being worst case with me...LOL. Thanks again
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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March 31 9:42 AM (1 minute and 35 seconds later)
         
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Larry -- Automotive technical expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 513 Car Accepts
30 years automotive technical writer, editor & author
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