Driving in to work this morning I noticed a grinding sound coming from the differential area. Looking underneath there is a pretty good leak from the passenger side axle seal (showing part # 5066066aa). At this point I am just trying to limp it home so I refilled the differential but I am still getting grinding noises when I hit a bump or I turn (always just temporary and goes away when I go back to straight driving). Is it safe to drive home? Would be about 15 miles at highway speeds, or do I need to look at getting a tow? Thoughts on what could be causing the grinding? Thanks.
Well, if the front diff is full with oil then you've taken care of ensuring lubrication in there. If it ran too dry and the gearing overheated that may be the cause of the grinding.
However, I'm going to wager that the CV joint on the transfer case end of the front driveshaft is toast and that's what's causing the grinding noise. It could also be one of the front axle CV's since the noise changes depending on whether you're driving straight or turning, but that driveshaft CV joint can make some strange sounds when it's shot and at weird times too.
So check two things: 1) CV on the rear of the front driveshaft, and 2) all four of the CV's on the front axles (two on each side.) Make sure there aren't any tears in the boots that would allow grease to leak out and run the CV guts dry.
Let us know what you find :waytogo:
Bob