Holden Colorado RG Diff Problems
The common fault in Colorado RG rear diffs, why the carrier bearings let go, the warning signs, and why catching it early is the difference between a rebuild and a new gearset.
Carrier bearing failure is the most common fault we see in Holden Colorado RG rear diffs. Catch it early and it is a straightforward rebuild. Leave it and the bill can double once the gearset is damaged.
The fault
The carrier bearings in these diffs come over-preloaded from new. Too much preload means heat, and heat means the bearing wears out well before it should. In our experience it is usually the crownwheel-side bearing that goes first.
Warning signs
- A whine that rises and falls with road speed, not engine speed
- A droning noise under load, especially when towing
- Clunking or play when you shift between drive and reverse
What to do
Stop towing, go easy on the loads and get it looked at. We keep rebuilt Colorado RG diffs on the shelf with the bearing preload corrected, fitted here in Sydenham or freighted anywhere in NZ.
