Front Differential Problems

[knightrider2000]

Few days ago truck started making a "Groaning sound" almost like it sounds when it is in 4WD, but it was in 2 HI.  It is slowly getting louder as times goes on..  Took to mechanic this afternoon, he said it was the front differentail, something about a bushing where the left CV Shaft hooks into the housing that wears out, and the whole unit has to be replaced, because the bushings are not replaceable.  Just wondering if anyone had any previous symptoms of this?

btw. it has push button 4WD if that makes a difference.

 

Matt G.

1999 Silverado LT

[Black02Silverado]

I never had a bushing problem but with my 93 Sonoma the front axle seal that went into the houseing was leaking. Went to change the seal and could not get the axle out. The split ring that holds the axle shaft in the housing was broken and it wouldn't release the shaft so I had to replace the whole axle.

I went with a used unit from a local recycling yard. It had over 150k on it and was worried about it but I just changed out all the seals on it and filled it up with fresh fluid and it ran fine for the 30k I had it.

How does this pertain to a noise. I guess it doesn't but just wanted to let ya know that some times the axle will not come out due to the broken ring. I looked into new axles and the cheapest I found one for my truck was $900 from a place in Chicago. That is why I went the used route.

I talked to a few places and they told me that there had been a problem with that ring breaking and keeping you from removing the shaft from the house. So if you run into that problem then you will know. As for a bushing, not sure on that one.