Differential Options - Monaro
Discussion
Hey guys, we have a thread which I started that looks at the "clunk" you get from a Monaro differential. You can find that thread here. Want I want to do now is just wrap everything up into a single thread based on all the various options that were mentioned, I mean, this could probably live in the FAQ but for now, I'll just summarise what everyone has mentioned such as LSD solutions and oils.
As well as solutions for rectifying the "clunk" I've included information about the "graunch" which is something that happens at low speed, it is accompanied by a TCS light typically when setting off from a stationary position.
The "graunch" is slightly different and may disappear with the above solutions. However, over the pond that "graunch" has been attributed to air pressure between the abs sensors and the tone wheel of the drive shafts. From what I understand you could actually buy a shim from Vauxhall, naturally, it's no longer available however washers are a viable solution as well. You can view the initial PH post regarding the "graunch" here.
So, the condition we are talking about is the noise you get from the rear of the car when you set off from a stationary position i.e. traffic lights. The noise is accompanied by the TCS light on the dashboard and lasts about a second. The official documentation recorded the conditions as:
Subject: Low Traction Indicator Illumination with no Wheel Slip (Shim Wheel Speed Sensor) # 06-05-25-005 - (12/19/2006)
Models: 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO
Condition: Some customers may comment that the low traction indicator may be illuminated with no wheel slip.
Cause: This condition may be caused by an insufficient air gap between the rear wheel speed sensors and the reluctor.
Correction: Check the air gap measurement between the reluctor and the speed sensors on both rear wheels. Adjust with a shim if required.
1. Check the air gap between the reluctor and the sensor on both of the rear wheel speed sensors. The air gap must be 1.5 mm (0.059 in) to 2.0 mm (0.079 in).
^ If the air gap is within specification and the customer concern is still present, refer to the appropriate diagnostics in SI.
^ If the air gap is less than 1.5 mm (0.059 in), a shim, P/N 90278359, must be used to achieve the correct air gap spacing.
1. Remove the speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in SI.
2. Install the shim.
3. Install the speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in SI.
2. Verify that the customer concern has been resolved.
Due to the fact you can't buy the shim anymore, people have been using copper washers as a solution based on their measurements with feeler gauges to see what their air gap is like. You can see a photo of that solution here.
If anyone wants to add any clunk/graunch solutions or ideas, add your comments and I'll update this thread
As well as solutions for rectifying the "clunk" I've included information about the "graunch" which is something that happens at low speed, it is accompanied by a TCS light typically when setting off from a stationary position.
Monaro Differential Clunk
| Item Name | Type | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| WaveTrac | LSD | $1295.00 | https://autotech.com/wavetrac-differential-pontiac... |
| TruTrac | LSD | Unknown | http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Vehicl... |
| Castrol Syntrax | Oil | £16.99 | https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-736-castrol-syntrax-l... |
| Lodexol XFS | Oil | £17.25 | https://www.morrislubricantsonline.co.uk/lodexol-x... |
Monaro "Graunch"
The "graunch" is slightly different and may disappear with the above solutions. However, over the pond that "graunch" has been attributed to air pressure between the abs sensors and the tone wheel of the drive shafts. From what I understand you could actually buy a shim from Vauxhall, naturally, it's no longer available however washers are a viable solution as well. You can view the initial PH post regarding the "graunch" here.
So, the condition we are talking about is the noise you get from the rear of the car when you set off from a stationary position i.e. traffic lights. The noise is accompanied by the TCS light on the dashboard and lasts about a second. The official documentation recorded the conditions as:
TCS - Low Traction Indicator ON With No Wheel Slip
Subject: Low Traction Indicator Illumination with no Wheel Slip (Shim Wheel Speed Sensor) # 06-05-25-005 - (12/19/2006)
Models: 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO
Condition: Some customers may comment that the low traction indicator may be illuminated with no wheel slip.
Cause: This condition may be caused by an insufficient air gap between the rear wheel speed sensors and the reluctor.
Correction: Check the air gap measurement between the reluctor and the speed sensors on both rear wheels. Adjust with a shim if required.
1. Check the air gap between the reluctor and the sensor on both of the rear wheel speed sensors. The air gap must be 1.5 mm (0.059 in) to 2.0 mm (0.079 in).
^ If the air gap is within specification and the customer concern is still present, refer to the appropriate diagnostics in SI.
^ If the air gap is less than 1.5 mm (0.059 in), a shim, P/N 90278359, must be used to achieve the correct air gap spacing.
1. Remove the speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in SI.
2. Install the shim.
3. Install the speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in SI.
2. Verify that the customer concern has been resolved.
Due to the fact you can't buy the shim anymore, people have been using copper washers as a solution based on their measurements with feeler gauges to see what their air gap is like. You can see a photo of that solution here.
If anyone wants to add any clunk/graunch solutions or ideas, add your comments and I'll update this thread
If you click on "graunch" here hot link, there's plenty of info about how the speed sensors are impossible to remove due to alloy metals reacting and seizing.
I've heard new sensors might be difficult to obtain.
Someone kindly made up and posted new shims to me but I can't get the sensors out.
I don't get the graunch, just occasional Low Traction light when accelerating hard in the dry. No wheel spin.
I've heard new sensors might be difficult to obtain.
Someone kindly made up and posted new shims to me but I can't get the sensors out.
I don't get the graunch, just occasional Low Traction light when accelerating hard in the dry. No wheel spin.
bigwheel said:
If you click on "graunch" here hot link, there's plenty of info about how the speed sensors are impossible to remove due to alloy metals reacting and seizing.
I've heard new sensors might be difficult to obtain.
Someone kindly made up and posted new shims to me but I can't get the sensors out.
I don't get the graunch, just occasional Low Traction light when accelerating hard in the dry. No wheel spin.
I've had a few cars with that problem and with patience, you can get them out, just don't force them, I soaked the area in penetration fluid for days. I've heard new sensors might be difficult to obtain.
Someone kindly made up and posted new shims to me but I can't get the sensors out.
I don't get the graunch, just occasional Low Traction light when accelerating hard in the dry. No wheel spin.
If your worried about breaking the sensor then there seems to be replacements listed for front and rear on RockAuto
Just to weigh in on the 'graunch' much like I did somewhere in the last thread I think, just to give an interesting alternative cause really.
Since having the truetrac / harrop diff cover and such installed I don't often get the graunch now, but it's still possible.
I was helping a friend jump start an E34 540i that had sat for a while, so hooked it up to the Monaro and was running it at about 2,000rpm to try and put some juice in the BMW's battery. This was parked stationary with the handbrake on in neutral.
When he then attempted to crank the 540, it pulled the revs down a little (to about 1,500) and lo' and behold, I got the familiar 'graunch' noise / sensation, and the low traction light on the dash.
In isolation the graunch actually sounds like the ABS activating. Given that I was stationary in neutral, that was definitely nothing to do with the diff.
Since having the truetrac / harrop diff cover and such installed I don't often get the graunch now, but it's still possible.
I was helping a friend jump start an E34 540i that had sat for a while, so hooked it up to the Monaro and was running it at about 2,000rpm to try and put some juice in the BMW's battery. This was parked stationary with the handbrake on in neutral.
When he then attempted to crank the 540, it pulled the revs down a little (to about 1,500) and lo' and behold, I got the familiar 'graunch' noise / sensation, and the low traction light on the dash.
In isolation the graunch actually sounds like the ABS activating. Given that I was stationary in neutral, that was definitely nothing to do with the diff.
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