Q: Will low differential fluid in my buick rainier cause jerking when turning vehicle?

asked by on March 06, 2017

Vehicle is jerking when turning backing up or making a turn driving forward. Read that it is most likely the differential fluid being low or needing changed. Not sure when last change was. I've put 20,000 miles on vehicle without changing the diff fluid.

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hello, thank you for writing in. The rear differential will make the vehicle skip or turn roughly when backing up or in a forward gear. It will feel as if the 4 wheel drive is active, and cause issues with steering. The power steering fluid should also be checked to make sure it is full and in good condition. Low power steering fluid, or a failing pump will cause the same symptoms. You will want to look further into both of these systems depending on what is found while servicing the differential. For more help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How much air pressure should be in the tires?
The right tire pressure is crucial for a lot of things, including fuel economy, handling, preventing premature tire wear and more. The key to keeping your tires aired up properly is to know how much they should have. Here’s what...
Coolant leak causing overheating.
The service engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) would have to be scanned to find the cause of it being on. The overheating can be caused by the thermostat stuck or the fan control system problem. Since the engine overheated the loss of...
Car rattling upon acceleration.
The noise you may be hearing is either the catalytic converter is rattling from being broken up inside it. You may be hearing an engine ping that sounds like a rattle from the engine. It could also be one of...
Car won't crank unless I pull the ASCD relay
The ASCD relay is for the cruise control only and should not cause the vehicle to not crank in any way. You may need to have the relay box checked to see if you have corrosion in the connections. If...
Check engine light still on after cleaning mass airflow sensor
First check to see what codes are being set (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau) which cause the Check Engine light to illuminate. This problem may or may not be caused by the mass airflow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement). If it is the MAF, and cleaning it...
Can a leaky CV axle seal ruin a CV axle?
The oil leak itself may not necessarily ruin the CV axle, however if the oil leak progresses to a point where the CV joint lacks the proper amount of oil to sufficiently lubricate it, the lack of lubrication can cause...
How to increase power without adding turbo?
Hi there. There are many ways to increase power to your vehicle without adding a turbo or supercharger. You could change the exhaust manifold to a exhaust header and gain more power (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-maximize-the-horsepower-of-your-car). You could change the intake to have...
My back up camera shows a blue screen
Hi there. It sounds like the camera has failed or has lost connection. The cameras for these systems are prone to failing and it does happen often. To check for a loose connection remove the trunk lid cover and inspect...
Clutch not fully engaging.
When it is hard to shift, the clutch may be damaged. When the clutch pedal goes to the floor, either the slave cylinder return spring comes off, the slave cylinder breaks open a leak, or the clutch release bearing collapse...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Lateral Link
Common signs include the steering feeling loose, noticeable clunking sounds, and increased wear on the rear tires.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Steering Column Actuator
Common signs include difficulty starting the car, being able to take the key out of the ignition anytime, and an overheating ignition switch.
How to Lube Your Car's Steering and Suspension Parts
Your steering and suspension components are important for a stable car. By lubricating your tire rod ends and ball joints you will have a smooth ride.