Your car’s differential is one of the key players or components in keeping the vehicle moving in an appropriate direction. It’s essential to keep your front end and tires on the same page to ensure each set is given the right amount of power to go in whichever direction the driver wishes. But when your differential goes awry, it could be bad news for your car.
A mechanic or technician will perform differential service by draining the old fluid from the differentials and replacing it with new fluid under the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and specs.
The rear differential service differs because the mechanic or technician will perform a differential service and fluid flush before installing the new fluid.
The differential is located on the rear axle of a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The differential allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns without causing wheel binding or leaping. When you are behind a truck, you have probably noticed that bulge in the middle of the axle.
Yes! The differential uses oil that is thicker than engine oil. Changing the oil in the differential is just as important as changing the oil in the engine because the oil wears thin and becomes contaminated over time. Without oil, the differential, like the engine, will begin to have metal-to-metal contact, which will wear the differential out.
Most vehicles’ differentials should be changed every 50,000 miles. However, your vehicle may require differential service more frequently depending on the vehicle’s mileage and travel conditions, such as dirt roads.
If your car’s differential system won’t function properly or experience any technical glitches, it means your differential needs replacement. Here are some of the acute symptoms of a lousy differential:
If you notice oil dripping from beneath the vehicle at one of the axles, you should immediately seek professional differential service.
The oil may also be expired or too old to lubricate any vehicle parts, resulting in the same foul odour as the metals burn due to metal-to-metal friction.
A lousy differential will frequently make loud rattling or whirring noises. Take your vehicle for differential service if you hear these noises from under the car.
If you recognize an unusual vibration while driving, it may be caused by the differential, and it is worth taking it to your mechanic for a service check.
As differential oil ages, it can begin to smell burnt. It is time to get a differential service if you smell burning oil.
Whirring, whining, or howling strange noises are another sign of lousy differential oil, implying that the metal parts, clutches, gears, and differentials have not been lubricated due to a dirty lack of clean oil.
If you are searching for the best car differential service, your search ends at Protrans. We are California’s most trusted and recognized automobile repair and maintenance workshop. Our priority is to keep your car in the best working form.
These guys did great work rebuilding my transmission and got it done within 3 days. Had to use my truck to move and the truck drove well with no issues. If you need transmission work and want it done professionally, don't hesitate to contact them. I'm a very satisfied customer and would highly recommend them.
Robert Nido May 5, 2023
The "Protrans" team is always very professional and welcoming! They always treat me & my family like royalty! I always look forward to spending quality time with Jeff & Michael!
Cliff Liles Nov 11, 2020
Protrans Automotive & Transmission the personnel at your service station are Honest and informative; providing the utmost work on my GMC Terrain. The car was checked out with an engine analyzer prior to visit. Your mechanics did a diagnostic check and came up with the same code. So, I was relieved the service station was not going to rip me of.. or take advantage of a senior citizen. Timely, informative and status of recommended work was provided. Updates discussed before their professional work continued. When I picked up my vehicle, such a difference!! It was like I received a brand new car. The Terrain runs so smoothly. The company they they run shows talent and professionalism in their automotive Skills!! Thanks, Jackie
Jackie Brown May 5, 2023
I had a transmission rebuild done and diagnostic for check engine light. Super pleaseed to date with sevices! Not feeling comfortable with the estimate I got the last time I went there. I literally sold my car.
Beverly Olaiz Jan 1, 2021
It was a great experience. They doing the job in a professional way replacing the battery with the right size battery and write a qualification from the manufacture on time and friendly customer service. Definitely, I will keep them as my own mechanic from now on.
lo ra Apr 4, 2023
Nice people and quality service! I strongly recommend this place. After trying multiple places, they managed to fix the transmission on my truck for a great price.
Eduardo Garcia Apr 4, 2023
Twice now I've had the pleasure of having my 2007 Dodge Ram serviced with this fantastic business. The most recent was last week prior to that about 5 years ago. The first time was the alternator and battery replacement with a long drive home to follow. A little scary but everything worked out just fine. Visiting family once again last week when my check engine light illuminated.. yikes! Not to worry! From the first phone call with Corey to schedule an appointment to working with Jeff and Michael to get the issue resolved before returning home to Arizona! Communication was excellent! They even looked into getting my side view mirror replaced however I was unable to stick around for them to complete it. Darn it! All the same I highly highly recommend ProTrans!!! Their pricing is reasonable along with the reliable service. Best I've ever experienced. Give them a try they will not let you down! God bless
Nancy B Apr 4, 2023
Great customer service
Flavio Carbajal Apr 4, 2023
Thank you so much to Jeff cori and mike you guys are amazing would recommend I’ve been going through the ring but they definitely took some weight off my shoulders can’t thank you enough ❤️🙏🏾
Chenelle White Apr 4, 2023
Clean, knowledgable, experienced and professional. Prices were more than fair and they were a pleasure to work with on rebuild of my Ford Transit Connect's transmission. Planning on having them repair my GMC diesel next.
Rob Brown Mar 3, 2023
This is an excellent repair shop. I’ve been using ProTrans for years and they always do fantastic work.
Kevin Esterling Mar 3, 2023
Great customer service, fast and affordable repairs. Been going here for years, my family takes their cars here as well, and we all love it!
Josh Jeffery Mar 3, 2023
Truck running in limp mode. Message to service exhaust system now. Called and they told me to bring it in. This was on a Friday. By Monday it was diagnosed as a diesel particulate filter plugged up. Regen did not solve the problem. Suggested replacement of entire exhaust after treatment system. I ok’d the work. Took two weeks to get the scarce parts. Great word great people to work with. Highly recommend this shop.
Jim & Linda Walker May 5, 2020
Had to have the transmission totally rebuilt. Got it done in a week and am really satisfied. They did a wonderful job. Thanks for your help.
Jim Perod Feb 2, 2023
Repaired transmission last year and front suspension last week. Just checked with my son, who drove for first time today for significant time: "Drives great thanks for everything" So everything is great. Your usual great work!
michael mattox Feb 2, 2023
4 yr customer (car and van). Competitive prices, excellent and fast service. Wonderful staff (Jeff, Michael etc.) No return on services performed. 💝
Kathy Moore Feb 2, 2023
Went in with a problem, left with out a problem that’s what everyone likes when they take the vehicles in. Front office was so helpful and professional! I would recommend this places to everyone hands down !!! Fixed my truck within 2 days . I give this shop 5 stars rating . You can trust this shop with out worrying !! My truck runs amazing now !!!
Gustavo Sanchez Feb 2, 2023
Really good service and attitude. Brake checks for free and oil change for $100, would say best in Riverside.
Bonan Shen Feb 2, 2023
replaced waterpump, theromastat, adapter and flex fran. very pleased with the work.
Juanita Bigelow Feb 2, 2023
This was my first time visit at Protrans Automotive, I did not know what to expect and was worried about how bad my car was and what it would cost me. Jeff greeted me and was very professional and welcoming. While my car was being repaired, I made arrangements to rent a car at a rental place, which was about 1/2 mile away. I was offered a ride to the car rental place by Protrans, which was really nice and accommodating since the weather was very frigid that morning. That afternoon, Jeff called me and advised my car was ready and it was not nearly as bad as I had anticipated. I was pleased with their hospitality and professionalism. I am happy with my car and it is running great!!! Thank you for your great service.
Stella Sayers Jan 1, 2023
Excellent and kind car service. I did a walk-in oil change and stayed throughout the appointment. Their guest area is very clean. They were efficient and very clear with me about the service and price. I would highly recommend.
Pauline Carey-Jones Jan 1, 2023
I’ve been brining my cars to ProTrans for years (including my Mercedes). They are trustworthy, knowledgeable and back up the work that they do. Highly recommend
Dawn Jeffery Jan 1, 2023
I trust this company with my car from a simple oil change to major repairs, they always friendly they even offer cold bottle water and a comfy room to wait with a t.v
Bridget ******* Jan 1, 2023
Great place. Great atmosphere. I could tell there was a lot of respect from everyone to everyone, employees and customers.
Ben Middleton Jan 1, 2023
After buying a used 01 civic I was not sure where to go for trusted repairs, everyone was friendly and very smart. All my repairs were done in a timely manner my car feels like a new 2022 this will be my go to mechanic for all my vehicles. Thank you very much ! Shout out to Jeff and all the service department you guys are awesome!
Victor Hurtado Dec 12, 2022
Where do i start.. Wednesday afternoon 3pm before Thanksgiving on way home to Phoenix, car goes into limp mode, got referred to Protrans. Called them they agreed to take a look. Diagnosed, parts ordered and Throttle Body replaced and road tested. So very excited to know that there are still Honest shops out there that actually care about their clients. Highly recommend Protrans.
Jerry Griffus Nov 11, 2022
Very friendly! They checked our car and gave us professional recommendations for free! Will surely go back to them when next oil change needed.
Yuan-Lu Chen Nov 11, 2022
Went in for transmission repair, after diagnosing the problem they told me I didn't need a full rebuild saving me well over $1,000.00. They found some safety issues I wasn't aware of and I had them take care of all of them. The truck is running great! Thank you Protrans.
ray zambrano Nov 11, 2022
Professional, clean, courteous, helpful and reasonable.
Kevin Mahoney Nov 11, 2022
Jeff, Matt and Hayley and the team at ProTrans did an incredible job and went above and beyond for us. We had a one of a kind, 1970 Ford Chinook MotorHome that made it down to Joshua Tree from Homer Alaska. It sat during the plandemic and we finally rescued her almost 3 years later. She did not deal with the transition to desert life smoothly and was leaking badly and ran terribly. We had her towed to Riverside and found ProTrans from a referral from another shop. The team at ProTrans rebuilt the transmission and went through the engine to get us back on the road without breaking our budget. Jeff was good about communicating and Matt even drove over the day after we picked it up to help assess some issues that came up on the way home. Can’t say enough about the professionalism, care, and service we received and would recommend them to anyone for all car repairs!
Josh Munk Oct 10, 2022
Great people
david glenn Sep 9, 2022
Customer service is excellent! Job was completed promptly. Price was reasonable. They were honest and courteous. I would definitely use their services again, and I highly recommend them. Glen R. Gribas.
Glen Gribas Oct 10, 2022
Protrans-Honest, reliable, and the price is right. Had a great experience doing business with Protrans. Jeff and the crew are all awesome individuals. Now I'm a loyal customer. No need to look anywhere else. Protrans will take care of all your car or truck repairs.
Tom Sawyer Sep 9, 2022
Found and fixed the problem quickly with no upselling
Edif Greenmorrow Sep 9, 2022
Protrans has a friendly and professional staff that provides good quality work.
Daniel Diaz Sep 9, 2022
Quality work, and fantastic costumer service!
Ruben Manriquez Sep 9, 2022
Highly professional. Fair prices. Very satisfied.
Sean Rhoades Sep 9, 2022
Exceptionally kind and professional. When your car needs maintenance this is the place to go!
Charlie Sykes Aug 8, 2022
Very polite and professional people and prices that were reasonable also. They also followed up to see how I liked their work. They rebuilt the transmission on my H2 Hummer. Everything seems great, and nice people to deal with.
Steve Urban Aug 8, 2022
This shop is the best at taking care of the needs of your car or truck. Straight up honesty & knowledge. Definitely would recommend!
Colin Ryan Aug 8, 2022
Coolant System - Thank you guys so much for the honest work on my car. I can't thank you enough! Awesome job AND for staying late since I was stuck in traffic. May God bless you guys!
Eseta Moala Aug 8, 2022
Good Day; The service at "Protrans" was "Top Notch " ! Before I took my car to "Protrans", I took it to another service center and I was told that it needed a Transmission Replacement to the tune of $3,500.00. I then took it to "PROTRANS" for a second opinion and their tec found that all that was needed was for the front wheel bearing to be replaced. That was a savings of over $3,000.00 dollars 💵. So if you need ANY work done on your automobile I would have "PROTRANS" ✔ it out first. T. Van Dorn
Thomas Van Dorn Jul 7, 2022
Good solid business!! Good customer service!! My car was handled with care!!! Appreciate you all!!!
Felipe Avila Jul 7, 2022
Brought my 01 accord in and they were extremely courteous, quick and efficient with their services. I honestly wouldn’t recommend any other shop in the riverside area besides them. 10/10 you literally can’t go wrong choosing them!
Keanu Ivey Jul 7, 2022