Alternatives to Torsen?

[involutions]

Hi all,

I'm getting tired of the popping noise coming from the differential. Dealership already replaced rear bearings and half shafts as part of a TSB. Noise is still there. Happens when I back out of a parking spot and then start moving forward in a straight line, happens when I am stopped at an intersection, then start moving, turning left or right. Happens when going slowly, in a parking lot, for example, releasing the clutch then reengaging it.

I've read other posts about the Torsen making noise when changing directions.

What are some reliable, quieter alternatives, if any, that you all have actually used and can recommend?

Thanks!

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[sloopy]

I'm no expert, but I think the popping noise is the sound of the axle shifting forwards and backwards in the wheel hub. As far as the torsen noise: in my experience, it sounds like a low frequency resonance in the chassis when accelerating while making sharp turns, usually turning left or right onto a road from a stop. The noise does not bother me (and I'm one who reverted to the stock exhaust after finding the borla touring catback with a resonator to be too loud and droney). You can decrease the noise by adding a friction modifier to the existing gear oil. The friction modifier is listed in the owners manual. I believe it is Ford Motorcraft XL-3.

 

[Hack]

The non-Torsen Mustang GTs have driveline noise like this as well, so I don't think a rear differential change will resolve your issue. I owned a base 2015 GT at one time. You could buy a more upscale vehicle is one option.

Add sound deadening or turn up the radio?

I just ignore it. I don't even hear it anymore after owning and driving Mustangs for many years.

I couldn't tell you whether the Camaro makes similar noises with the e-diff. Maybe you should test drive one and see if you prefer it. I drive my Camaro all the time, but like I said, I ignore noises like this.

 

[stang17]

I had the clunk sound you are describing with my torsen as well as the 3.55 trac lock I swapped. The culprit ended up being rear sway bar end links as well as damaged thrust washers on the rear axles. Ford came out with a new design for the washers a few years back. After upgrading the end links (and sway bar to Steeda) and replacing the thrust waters, sound went away.

I have found the trac lockto work better than Torsen under hard launching. Car will now spin straight on 1-2 and 2-3 shifts as opposed to kicking the ass out.

 

[Eyesac]

Yeah I don't think that's the torsen diff by your description. There's so many weird pops and clunks these cars can make in the rear, but that doesn't sound like the diff to me...

 

[SBR70.3]

Are you having symptoms related to the factory-defective thrust washer?

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/rear-end-clicking-sound-gone-thrust-washer-on-hub.149908/

 

[Robottrainer]

Are you having symptoms related to the factory-defective thrust washer?

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/rear-end-clicking-sound-gone-thrust-washer-on-hub.149908/

I think its the axle and bearing. If you want alternatives..Detroit Locker or a clutch pack style. I think you'll find the torsen is much better. I know when I had a Detroit locker in a dana 60 you had to be aware of your driving. If you got on it driving straight ahead and it didnt lock, it tends to pull to one side. Once its locked. Its solid. A slight turn if the wheel and it unlocks.

 

[involutions]

Thanks for all the replies. The dealership warranted the wheel bearings, washers, axle half shafts and some other parts. Noise is still there. Car only has 15,000 miles on it and the noise has been present since I owned the car with 3,000 miles on it.

 

[Hack]

I'm not surprised. From your first post, I had the impression that it was very possibly just a characteristic of our cars that you don't like. Yes, they make some noises. It's not a problem.

But you could buy an Audi or BMW for a lot more money and it may not make noises you dislike. Maybe a Mercedes AMG GT?

 

[involutions]

I would say for $61,000 the car should not make any popping or clunking noises.

So, yes, it really is a problem. Considering there is a TSB on the noise, and the dealership replaced about $1,000 worth of parts and paid a tech a day's labor, I would say even the dealership thinks it's a problem.

Other members on this forum have complained and even sold their cars due to the popping and clunking noise. My 2015 GT does not make any of these noises. Some members state that their Mach 1s don't make any popping noises...

 

[Robottrainer]

I would say for $61,000 the car should not make any popping or clunking noises.

So, yes, it really is a problem. Considering there is a TSB on the noise, and the dealership replaced about $1,000 worth of parts and paid a tech a day's labor, I would say even the dealership thinks it's a problem.

Other members on this forum have complained and even sold their cars due to the popping and clunking noise. My 2015 GT does not make any of these noises. Some members state that their Mach 1s don't make any popping noises...

Just for the record the only noise I hear is gear whine. Mostly from the lock out bushings. I changed the axles to G-sport Ford Racing axles. Mines a 2021 auto

 

[Hack]

My 2015 GT does not make any of these noises.

Okay, that changes everything. Every car makes some noises, but if these particular noises are not present in other Mustang GTs, then I'm sure there's some issue causing the noises.

I've owned 3 different S550s, 2 with Torsens. There are noises, but possibly they are not the same as what you are experiencing. I have no idea. Good luck with resolving this. What is the dealer planning to do next?

 

[NightmareMoon]

I’ve never heard a torsen make popping noises. Not in this car or other makes.

now, the clutch type OS Giken I run does pop like mad, but torsens? Never.

 

[stang17]

Have you checked or replaced the sway bar end links yet? Before I replaced mine I would get a thuding/clunk on any initial change of direction...i.e going from reverse to 1st or neutral back to reverse.

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