06 Buick rainier cxl differential locking up

Asked by Rhonda Sep 15, 2023 at 02:54 PM about the 2006 Buick Rainier CXL AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have an awd 06 Buick Rainer (cxl) that I
recently replaced a back tire on. The back
differential is locking up on it, and I'm being told
this is the reason why. I also have other misfire
and broken bolt issues with it as well, but I don't
want to pay $3300 to repair these, if this is not
the issue with the back end, and have myself in
a world of debt fixing the differential issue after
this. I also had a stabilitrack warning light on, as
well.  
The garage is 4 hrs away, so I'm basically doing
this over the phone. Would one new tire cause
this? Should the garage be able to tell why it's
locking up without replacing the tires first (they
wanted me to pay $1200 for a new set of tires,
as well, but I have a set, and wondering if they
were just trying to push the tire sale on me
before actually diagnosing the problem first)?
The vehicle is a rebuild, I've had no other probs
with it up until now, and it says 300,000+ *miles*
on it, but I'm assuming the motor has been
replaced.
The price of vehicles up here is ridiculous ($7-
9000 used pos), so paying $3300 for repairs is
reasonable considering the alternative. It ran
great before I drove it hard for 4000 kms across
BC, and then 700 kms a month after this for 4
months, and with no garage here, I had to tow it
out when broke down.
I love the vehicle, but if I'm going to need to put
more money in after this, I'm going to have too
much invested, whereas now I can still back
away. I hope u understand what I'm trying to
explain, and any advise would be greatly
appreciated

1 Answer

190

Try a different garage, even if further away. These do not come with "differential lockers", limited slip, yes, but no lockers. I cannot see this as being the reason. If it was, EVERYTIME, you make a tight turn, say in a parking lot, one wheel would drag and chirp....every time. Try turning left into a tight circle, then try it turning right, if not tire chirp or skidding/slipping on the asphalt, it's not "locking up". The stabilitrack warning light, probably doesn't come on all the time right? When parking, keep your steering wheel straight, mine even does this if I park with my wheels turned. Not a big deal, nothing to worry about. For the odd tire wear, I'd be looking at balancing the tire, and checking the the brakes for dragging that 1 tire, also check the shock. I'd be worried about the misfire and the broken bolt. You can buy a cheap code reader on Amazon, read the code and report back. What broken bolt is this? Chevy Trailblazer Fan Club on FB, check this out for more help. Rainier is identical to Trailblazers and Envoys, same platform. Several ASE mechanics in there, maybe one lives near you to help??

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