Bought a 2000 AUII XR6 VCT a few weeks ago.

Ever since I picked it up, it makes a grinding/rubbing noise when I turn at very to slow speeds - both when moving forward and reverse. I believe it is coming from the rear. At its worst I can marginally feel it from the drivers seat ... which has me a bit worried.

Just need some ideas what I should be looking for. Loose fittings? broken bits and pieces? bent bars? leaks? etc.

Due to the nature of my work currently, I really don't get much chance to take time off and mess around with mechanics. Would rather identify the problem myself, and then see if I can fix it on my own in the evening/weekend or whether I need to take it to a specialist.

Nevermind. Had a look. All is in order.

I suspect it has something to do with the drive shaft ... maybe a bearing loose/needs replacing?

Booked in for next Tuesday.

Update. Took it in to the mechanic and he suggested it was worn components in the diff and recommended I take it to a specialist. Took vehicle to said diff specialist and was quoted $1000 - $2000 on repairs or replacement / upgrade.

Being a tight a** I looked into it myself. Drained the diff and refilled with SAF-XA. Sound has largely reduced but too early to tell just yet. Going to run it for a week or two and see how it goes ... then if all is good I'll do another oil change.

The oil that came out was pretty crap. Bunch of metallic debris ... only 1.1 litres as opposed to the 1.6 that should be in there. Wouldn't surprise me if there is some permanent damage. Replacing the diff looks like a fairly easy process so if worst case scenario occurs ... should be able to save a whole heap.

Bought an identical car last year and had the identical problem. Apparently, the AU LSD diffs were set up too tight from the factory. Ford mechanic next door put me onto this problem - he sees it all the time at the dealership. The fix is straightforward and reasonably cheap. I got my neighbour to do it, as I'm likely to screw it up. When you open up the diff, there are high spots causing the noise that are readily visible as they are discoloured from too much heat (friction). He just polished the high spots down with emery cloth and refilled the diff with Redline 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. Have driven 15,000 kms since, and no noise, no problems.

The diff pinion seal did start leaking a couple months ago (at 220,000 kms) so replaced with a Viton one designed especially for synthetics/severe-duty:
http://www.alliedbearings.com.au/datash ... s-vehicles
460448V Synthetic Oil & Self locking diff 1.656X2.625X0.385 - $10.50

Good to know. The diff specialist did mention these LSD's are crap but I suspected he might of been trying to milk me of a bunch of cash. I'll open it up and have a look as you suggested to see what is up when I do the next oil change in a few weeks.

Driving it for the last half a week has been good mostly particularly when the diff isn't hot ... just the occasional clunking after longer driving sessions. If it is just a matter of polishing it down, I'd MUCH rather do that than replace it. Even if it means every 20,000 - 30,000 km with each diff oil change.