Santa Fe Diff Problems and Kia Sorento Diff Faults
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento share a rear diff with a well known weak spot. Here is how to catch it early and what your options are.
We see a steady stream of Santa Fe and Sorento rear diffs from around the South Island, and nearly all of them have the same story: a growing hum from the back of the car that turns into a rumble over a few thousand kilometres.
What is going on
The pinion bearings in these units run hot and the oil capacity is small, so once the oil starts to break down the bearings wear fast. By the time the noise is obvious the pinion has usually moved enough to mark the crownwheel.
Your options
If the gearset is still good, a bearing and seal rebuild is all it needs. If it has gone further, an exchange diff is often the quicker and cheaper route. Either way, send us your rego and we will tell you what we have on the shelf.
