Front transaxle whines after CV axle replacement

[mhill73]

Hello all,

I recently replaced the CV axles on my sport. The mechanic told me the front diff was "not happy" but if I kept fluids in it, I should be okay. I go to the store today and the front end whines loudly while in motion. Got the attention of everyone in the parking lot. Should I spend the money to replace the front diff or should I just call it? I love the truck but honestly, I've only put 2000 miles on it in the last 18 months. I look forward to hearing what everyone has to say. Thanks.

 

[J_C]

You could delete the front diff if you don't need 4WD, just remove the front driveshaft, separate the CV axles so you have the splined end and nut to help hold the hub together. Some say this is necessary, but I thought I also read that it isn't, but I'd keep the end of the CV axle bolted on the hubs just to err on the side of caution.

Then it's up to you, to take the front diff itself off or just leave it on.

Have you ever had the fluid in it replaced? I guess I just assumed so, that the mechanic would have checked that and replaced the fluid, but if not, it might be about like mud by now, and that might be worth a try. Was it not making that noise prior to getting the CV axles replaced? Is it possible that something screwy happened, like mechanic drained the old fluid but forgot to put new in, so it's running dry now? Is it possible that the front diff wasn't making noise and still isn't, that one of the CV axles is defective?

I can't make the call for you, what bother or expense it's worth to keep another vehicle in your fleet, depending on what else you have, or whether you'd buy something else to replace it. I like to always have at least one extra vehicle, then it allows me to not rush to work on another one, to DIY a lot more repairs. If you're not going to DIY most of the repairs, then generalizing based on its age, it could become more expensive to keep it going than it's worth... it's book value at least. Too many variables to know what it's worth, especially if it's not rusted out, and doesn't have the SOHC timing chain rattle yet (if it has the SOHC engine?) then it would be worth more to me than if it is.

 

[mhill73]

You could delete the front diff if you don't need 4WD, just remove the front driveshaft, separate the CV axles so you have the splined end and nut to help hold the hub together. Some say this is necessary, but I thought I also read that it isn't, but I'd keep the end of the CV axle bolted on the hubs just to err on the side of caution.

Then it's up to you, to take the front diff itself off or just leave it on.

Have you ever had the fluid in it replaced? I guess I just assumed so but if not, it might be about like mud by now, and that might be worth a try.

Thanks for the input J_C. I have serviced the diff every 30k since bought. I do like having 4WD in case it snows in NC. I may try junkyards for a used one. Parts stores want a small fortune.