Filled it up and noise went away. Leak is from the left (short) side output
axel. Got a better quote of $150 and another at $270.


"Steve W." <csrNOT@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:1223306232_3472@isp.n...
> 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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