Tim wrote:
> Didn't think I would be back so soon asking for advise after the Buick
> coolant leak but here I am.
>
> 98 GMC Jimmy 4WD. I took it in to a oil change place to have them check the
> oil level on the rear end. I had seen some oil back there and thought it
> might need a little. It was fine but they said the front axel was leaking on
> the drivers side. They filled it and after setting overnight I have oil on
> the drive. It has had a growling noise for a long time but I figured it was
> the normal. I have replace the wheel bearing hubs many times and they are
> fine.
>
> What should I look for and any help with how to replace these would greatly
> be appreciated. I called some repair shops to get a ball park idea of how
> much and got unseen price ranging from $250 to $1,000's (that's what he
> said).
>
> TIA
>
>

The leak is likely from the seal around the output shaft for the front
half-shaft, or from the housing itself. Seals in both places. The output
shaft seal isn't hard to replace, but if if the seal is bad then it is
very possible that the bushing inside the housing is bad as well. That
isn't as easy to change with the differential installed. It can be done
but it is easier with it out. That is what the different prices cover.
They probably also tossed in some extra for possible parts damage from
the "growl" that could be bad carrier bearings or worse.


--
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York


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