BLOG CATEGORY · 12 ARTICLES
Troubleshooting & Diagnostics
Diff noises, leaks, vibrations and failures explained: what the symptom usually means, what it costs to put right, and when a repair or an exchange diff is the better call.
Troubleshooting · 13 October 2026 · 7 min read Santa Fe Diff Problems and Kia Sorento Diff Faults to Catch Early Santa Fe diff problems and Kia Sorento diff problems: a loose pinion and worn carrier gears. Learn the warning signs. 
Troubleshooting · 21 September 2026 · 5 min read Holden Colorado RG Diff Problems The most common Holden Colorado RG rear diff fault is carrier bearing failure. Learn the warning signs and why acting early saves it! 
Troubleshooting · 29 July 2026 · 5 min read Water in Your Diff: How It Gets In, What It Destroys, and What It Costs You Water in your diff destroys bearings and gears fast. Learn how it gets in, the warning signs to watch for, and how to prevent it. 
Troubleshooting · 20 July 2026 · 5 min read Differential Repair Christchurch Noisy or leaking differential? Here's how to tell if you need a differential repair Christchurch drivers can trust, and what it involves. 
Case Studies · 20 July 2026 · 3 min read Isuzu D-Max diff failure Isuzu D-Max diff failure is common in the open carrier gears, causing clunking, and total loss of drive. Learn the signs, and fixes. 
Troubleshooting · 19 July 2026 · 5 min read Repair or Exchange Diff: Which One Do You Need? Repair or exchange diff - which is right for your vehicle? NZ-wide free freight, 80+ models in stock, and core charge pricing explained. 
Troubleshooting · 15 July 2026 · 6 min read Common Toyota Hilux Differential Problems Learn the most common Toyota Hilux diff problems, including bearing failure, oil leaks, worn LSDs, and crownwheel and pinion damage. 
How-To Guides · 17 June 2026 · 4 min read Choosing the Right Diff Ratio For Your Wheels and Transmission Discover how the right diff ratio affects performance, drivability, fuel economy, and drivetrain reliability. 
Troubleshooting · 8 June 2026 · 3 min read Lifetime Diff Oil, Is It Really Lifetime? Manufacturers call it lifetime oil, but is it really? Learn the facts about differential oil and why changing it may save you thousands. 
Troubleshooting · 22 April 2026 · 3 min read How Much Does a Diff Rebuild Cost in New Zealand? Find out what parts go into a professional diff rebuild and why no two rebuilds cost the same. Expert insight from Gearhead Diffs. 
Troubleshooting · 21 April 2026 · 3 min read What Causes Diff Whine? (And How to Fix It) What causes diff whine? Learn the common reasons for diff noise and how to fix it before it leads to serious drivetrain damage. 
Troubleshooting · 20 April 2026 · 3 min read 5 Signs Your Differential Is About to Fail Spot the signs of a failing differential early, from whining and vibration to oil leaks and metal in the oil. Other topics
How-To Guides Plain English technical guides from the bench: how differentials, LSDs and lockers work, how to identify your diff, work out ratios and choose the right parts. Upgrades LSDs, lockers, gear ratios, axles and bushes: what each upgrade does, who it suits, and what we fit at Gearhead Diffs for street, track, towing and off road. Case Studies Real jobs from the workshop in Sydenham: what came in, what we found when we pulled it apart, and what it took to fix properly.