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The Rear End Shop The Rear End Shop specializes in the repair and service of rear ends and differentials and has been serving both the East Bay and North Bay areas of the San Francisco CA area since 1981. With over 50,000 repeat customers our rear end and differential repair and service shop takes great pride in the quality of service we offer each and every one of our customers.

Our services all rear-drive cars, vans, and light trucks up to 18,000 pounds. Vehicle types we service include motor homes, hot rods, classic cars, vans, 4x4 vehicles with both front and rear differentials. Our Shop is able to keep our prices competitive as rear end differential parts repair and overhaul is all we do. This means that our shop buys inventory in large quantities directly from manufacturers and passes those savings on to our customers.

Additionally our labor is billed by the hour which also adds to savings. Customers that bring their differential to us for service can expect an overall 30% - 50% savings over other auto repair shops in the Santa Rosa area.
Served areas
  • Santa Rosa, CA & Sonoma County
Associations and certifications
  • BBB
Services
What we do:
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What we do: The Rear End Shop is family-owned & operated and has been serving Santa Rosa and the greater San Francisco Bay area since 1981. The Rear End Shop services all rear-drive cars, vans, motor homes, and light trucks up to 18, 000 pounds. ○ Our services include but are not limited to: Clutch Repair, Differential Repair, Drivetrain Repair, Driveline Repair, Drive Shaft, U-Joints, CV Shafts, Transfer Case Repair, CV Axles, etc.
The Rear End Shop's Fleet Service department specializes in quick turnaround for your fleet. Whether you're running off-road, back roads, or city streets, losing traction in the turns is a sign that your rear end needs some care. At The Rear End Shop, rear end differential repair and maintenance is all we do.
Driving straight down the road, your vehicle's wheels naturally spin in sync. But when you turn a corner, the outer wheels must travel a greater distance than the inner wheels. An outside wheel that can't keep up in the turns will skip and skid, making for a bumpy, and possibly dangerous, ride. Your rear-wheel drive car or truck is equipped with a differential on the rear axle, where it delivers equal force to each wheel while allowing them to rotate at different speeds (thus the term "differential").
Honest, friendly and easy to talk to are the words we use to describe our team here at the Rear End Shop. Our team is well seasoned, and has been together for many years. We're here day in and day out, so you can count on us to reliably diagnose and service any differential work you need. Come on in and meet us in person, you'll be glad you did.
The Rear End Shop's Fleet Service department specializes in quick turnaround for your fleet. For starters, The Rear End Shop carries a large stock of manufacturer-direct parts. We pass along the savings to you and, in most cases, you won't have to wait for a part to come in. Plus, our guys are friendly, focused and passionate about rear end work, and will always be straight with you - no surprises and no upsells. We go above and beyond the call to get your vehicle back to you quickly, in top shape, and back on the road where it belongs.
People
Dan Braley
Owner
The The Rear End Shop staff of transmission service & repair technicians and management realize that our customers in Santa Rosa and the greater Sonoma County community are the most valued assets of our Santa Rosa area auto repair shop. We are always happy to receive testimonials from car owners and equally happy to share their feedback with you! So if you live in Santa Rosa or the surrounding Sonoma County area please consider our shop for all your car repair and service needs.
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Reviews (26)
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Chris O'Sullivan
Dec 10, 2021
Good crew of workers that care a lot about doing a good job.
W. D.
Jun 12, 2021
These guys were extremely fast and did an incredibly great job rebuilding the rear end on my Dodge b350 Motorhome. It was smooth sailing all the way home and I cannot recommend them enough! Thanks for an excellent job, well done!
Kevin Smith
Mar 24, 2021
I went in pre-Covid and got a quote which was $3200. I lost that quote and they where unable to find it in their system. My new quote is $4200, but with out the other quote they can't explain why. I called around and found out that $4G to have both installed was the going rate. So I figured the $3200 quote was a mistake. They had my Jeep for two days and I found out it would not be done by the end of day.

They said that the seals in the front are different from the JK to JKU models and they got the wrong ones. had to take a day off work and use 12hrs of my PTO because of this! So finally at 15:20 I heard back that I will get my Jeep back that day. I show up at just before 17:00 to pick it up. They had my Jeep out front and ready for me. I go to get my keys and I ask Josh so do I just turn on compressor and then flip switch for lockers?

I find out at this point that they didn't install the airline or hook up the SPOD and compressor, even though I told them I had both. Josh told me ohh you wanted us to connect it. Normally people want to run there own air lines. That night I called and left a voice message for there manager or owner to call me. Thursday at 11am I called again and left a message with Josh, that I wanted the owner or manager to call me. Monday came around, and no phone call.

I stopped by the shop at about 1600hrs and talked to Josh. He stated he wanted to take care of me and he's waiting on his boss. I chose to bring it back and drop it off. Then Thursday I head up to the Rubicon. And Friday am we hit the trail. Right off the bat I noticed my air compressor was cycling on and off every 30 seconds or so. It was also noted by my fellow club members that my rear locker was not engaged in several obstacles that I had trouble getting around.

So made it to Rubicon springs with no rear locker! After setting up camp and cooling off in the springs, I started to see what the issue was. First I found that there was air leaking around both solenoids, luckily one of our club members is a mechanic and was able to help me. We found that there was nothing used on the threads to stop the air from leaking!

We had to remove the manifold out of the jeep, and redo what was not done correctly. We also found that they were not tight. After properly installing the solenoids and re-installing the manifold we still had air leaking from somewhere. We found air leaking from the connection at the front differential because it was not installed tight enough! But we still had a leak so I crawled under the jeep and started to check the rear line, and when I found that it had burned through, they had ran the line so close to the exhaust that it burned through and I was left with two separate lines and two piece of melted tubing!

This was under the jeep, so I could not stretch it to the manifold. We were able to use the propane line from my camping stove to do a "bush fix" with a couple of hose clamps. Sunday I had both lockers working and what a difference that made. Would have been nice to have that for the whole trail! Monday am I left a message on the shops' voice message again.

I told them that the owner or manager needed to contact me ASAP, that I had issues with the installation and that it had failed. I told them they needed to make it right. It is now 5pm on Tuesday a week later, and still no phone call from them. I absolutely cannot believe that they are not even willing to return my phone call, after charging me almost $4,000, and me calling over 8 times.

I cannot believe someone can own a business and care so little about the quality of the work, and even if for some reason some justification could be found for all the mishaps, with such little care for a customer's experience, and to not even have the common courtesy to return my phone call- this really undermines my trust in them, as they seem to just care about the money not the quality of the job and far less about their relationships with their customers.
J. B.
Feb 05, 2020
I've had several rear ends fixed here over the years, and as a mechanic by trade, I can tell you these guys do a great job! I just picked up my newest truck that I had them change the gear ratio in, and I couldn't be happier! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Thanks guys!
Maury C.
Jan 25, 2020
I was wanting an alignment done on my 2007 Subaru WRX Wagon and they were Able to schedule an appointment the following week. The owner is not only very personable, but better than fair. After testing my cars alignment he determined that it didn't require any additional tweaking. He not only didn't charge me, but also checked my tire pressure and made some adjustments to their inflation.
Josh Beatty
Dec 23, 2019
Friendly, down to earth folks here. They fix it right the first time! I'm a mechanic by trade, and these guys know what's up. I'd absolutely recommend them!
Nikki M.
Jun 26, 2019
They're very nice here and they will tell you everything that needs to be done for your car which is great, but they are not very frugal or considering if your money situation. They quoted me $1,300 for all of this work that they recommended. New wheel bearings was one of the things on the list which stood out to me as something to do right away, so I took my car to another mechanic and asked to replace the wheel bearings.

The other mechanic said the wheel bearings were okay but just dry, so he greased them. The other mechanic told me he has to take out the breaks and other things to even get to the wheel bearings to see them, so it's common for people to suggest new ones instead of just greasing the old ones. I don't doubt that this place does a good job, but I'm looking for a place that will just do what needs to be done and not up-sell.

If I would have blindly trusted this place, I would have spent $1,300 unnecessary dollars and I ended up spending $150 instead and my car is running fine. I do appreciate their quote and I'll probably slowly get the things done that they recommended, but it's not necessary to get it all done right away.
Ray L.
May 18, 2019
This was not my first time here. I have had nothing but honest and fair treatment. You have to know I used to do the stuff they do here but no longer have the tools or drive to do it. So I can say with certainty they haven't tried to steer me or up sell me at any point. The rear end they rebuilt on my truck in 2010 is still going strong without a squeal or clunk.
Leisure Supply
Mar 05, 2019
These guys know what they're doing! Brought our pick up truck in on a Thursday and drove it away a day later completely fixed. Great service at a fair price.we will definitely be using them in the future for all our trucks!
Sydney H.
Dec 16, 2018
I am not one who usually takes the time to write a review, however this time it is well worth it. The Rear End Shop was recommended by a co-worker. When I first contacted Nick to find out if they could fix my truck, he took the time over the phone to explain to me not only the process and the time it takes but an estimated price on what it could possible run. I dropped off my truck and it was ready in 3 days and cheaper than what he quoted me. Thank you Nick!
Natalia R.
Jul 20, 2018
I almost never take the time to write a review, but this place made me do it. Not only was the service exceptional, but the quality of work is top tier. I have been working on my 2003 Mach 1 for years, and this time I could not fix it. My whole rear end blew out and it needed new pinion gears as well as housing unit and a few other things I was not going to mess with.

Long story short they told me every detail of what had to be done and needed repairs, and also made sure I was receiving high grade performance parts. Anyone who knows their own car, loves these kind of details. Overall really great experience and I was able to up my gear ratio to 3.73 without losing to much mpg. Would recommend this place to anyone who needs help from an honest and hard-working company.
Duston Richards
Oct 27, 2017
I came to this shop summer of 2016 while attending and living at Sonoma State University. Very good customer service, however, I have a had only one experience here and the first impression did not mach the end result. I came in for a busted cv shaft and bent rim. they replaced the cv shaft and rim but never put transmission fluid back in my transmission so my transmission blew up about 1000 miles later and the cv shaft they installed is now leaking grease profusely after only 10,000 miles.

I don't know weather to call yall incompetent or just typical city slickers but by god I wish I could have yall pay me 700 for my transmission swap (since thats what a honda trans cost me) and get my 800 back for that POS CV shaft you installed and over charged me for.
Philip W.
Dec 06, 2015
Danny and his guys really know their job.professional and excellent work. I took my 1970 Bronco their to fix front end and rear end problems caused by a transmission place in Rohert Park who rebuilt them originally (didn't know about RES then). Danny and his team diagnosed the problems, fixed them and I had my Bronco back within a week. Don't go anywhere else, this is the best place!
Robbie T.
Sep 04, 2015
This place was great the first time. So I took my truck in to have the brakes done. I had already bought the parts. They quoted me $400. They had to replace a caliper at $159 and charged me $765 total. I looked under my truck and a bungee cord was left hanging on my truck, that could of been fun. It just made me realize that they hadn't checked their work.

Sure enough. I had to take it back in to have my pins adjusted, they were loose. What a bunch of hacks! They were honest once then super shady since. Always nice to your face, but they do sloppy work, at least with my vehicle. I'd give no stars, but I have to.
Harrie D.
Jun 29, 2015
Total professional and excellent work. I had a leaking differential cover I called 2 Dealerships, no one could get me in. I needed to be at work at Sonoma Raceway, where I work with Race Operation's, for our NASCAR weekend event totally under the gun. I called the guys at 2:00 pm, Thursday, they had my truck on the rack within 10 minutes of me walking in.

It was more than a leaking cover, needing a new carrier assembly and axle. They arranged for a rental and had me set for my work weekend. I picked up the truck Monday repaired and ready for a July 4th week water ski trip, and my truck repaired professionally and ready to tow our boat. I've worked with The Rear End shop for 20+ years. They are totally professional, very honest, fair, and a great shop to do work with. Thank you!
Brenda Hawkins
Mar 16, 2015
Very honest. Great customer service. Another shop quoted me $2000 to fix a problem with my Escalade. I took it to The Front End Shop, and they found the REAL problem that was only $90. Me Escalade is problem free. I recommend them to all of my family & friends.
Ray B.
Mar 15, 2015
Wil not be using this shop for my work on my MG after the terrible job on my differential twice. I handed them the spec book for the car and was told they don't set differentials that way, twice, and it screams and was told not to bring it back.they suck
Frank G.
Jan 29, 2015
Great service they went out of there way to provide me with excellent- They had trouble finding parts for my E- Class 500 Mazda Benz 2004 MB had stop making this part Dan and staff had to search for a good used part it took a while to find one -the shop help me pay for a Rental. The RE Shop is highly professional. I'm very grateful for there excellent service.
Jenifer J.
Sep 14, 2014
Excellent! I went to them a couple years ago for the rear end of my Jeep, great job. Then when my everyday mechanic could not determine the cause of my steering issue (Jeff's 4x4, please don't go there!), I took it again to The Rear End Shop, with one short test drive they correctly diagnosed the front issue. Repaired it the following week. No more steering issues. Reasonable rates, quick and accurate service. Highly recommend.
Brian C.
Aug 22, 2014
I had to return for a warrantee issue on a bad bearing.they not only replaced the bad bearing but replaced all the bearings in case it might have been a bad batch.no hassles, very easy to deal with, great guys to deal with. Very happy customer!
Kevin H.
Apr 04, 2014
When a certain oil change business forgot to replace my rear diff fill plug on my 2004 tacoma, it naturally caused some damage. The Rear End Shop not only fixed my rear diff quickly, they went to bat for me when the oil change company came to see if it was really their fault. What could have been a long story, stayed short with everything taken care of quickly. I have no hesitation trusting these guys from here on out.
Brian J.
Feb 14, 2014
The guys there were great Rob was straight forward and had my car back to me the next day and after several trips to other places (pep boys) and several days with out my mustang. Rob fixed it all in a day great service great price highly recommend
Tyler M.
Jan 24, 2014
Went to The Rear End Shop today for some parts and advice. Was greeted immediately by an older gentlemen who then retrieved Rob from the shop area. Rob was straightforward & gave me several options for the repair of my truck. Because of my financial situation, I went the cheap route and chose to "band-aid" my differential for now. The parts I purchased were reasonably priced & he provided some extra info about torque specs & installation.

He also had his tech, Juan, install my newly purchased carrier bearings on my center section. I just completed the repair/installation & returned from a test drive: all is good! I'm not sure how long it'll last since I re-installed some old/questionable parts, but when it's time for more work I'll be heading back down to these guys.
Jessica B.
Feb 22, 2010
This place is dynamite! The guys who run this place are on top of it. They worked with me to give me the best possible price. If you need this kind of work done on your vehicle your car may as well be in intensive care. I got quotes from shops from San Fransisco all the way to San Jose, no one beat the prices & the service here. It is worth the time & savings to go to Santa Rosa. Thanks to them my car lives and drives!
Jessica B.
This place is dynamite! The guys who run this place are on top of it. They worked with me to give me the best possible price. If you need this kind of work done on your vehicle your car may as well be in intensive care. I got quotes from shops from San Francisco all the way to San Jose, no one beat the prices & the service here. It is worth the time & savings to go to Santa Rosa. Thanks to them my car lives and drives!
James O.
Great prices! Super fast turn around. Brought my Toyota thirds in for some work, and have brought my Ford in for repair work. I grew up in shops, my Dad owns a garage, and I have no problem recommending this place to all the customers and my friends.