Got the car up on the lift today (couldn't get parts before I return, but wanted to inspect it anyways).

The driver's side is definitely the worst of the two, but it isn't just the CV joint. I'm losing diff fluid from the driver's side stub axle seal. Its been flung around the diff area. Not much fluid (still full), but I just changed it a week ago and there was no weeping at that time.

Both stub axles seem to have a lot of play (moving up and down in the case), but the driver's side is worse. I'm concerned that I may have not only fragged a seal, but the carrier bearing as well.

Does anyone have any input on how much movement is normal with the stub axles? I could see the vibration from the CV causing a seal problem, and maybe bearings too. The diff makes no unusual noise, the fluid was clean, etc. Nothing unusual but the acceleration shakes/rumbles.

Thanks again for your time folks, differentials are not my area of expertise.

UL

 

For all the times you've helped us here, I wish I could be more specific with my info here. All I can tell you is that when I did my gears, there was no play in those output shafts except maybe 1/16" in and out as the circlip resides in a hollow. In your case, if you have play up and down, you should also have play back and forth. Your roller bearings and/or races could be bad as well as a possibility your bearing caps have moved.
A fluid leak like you describe would be indicative of such shaft movement.

 

My diff is freshly rebuilt, with about 1500 miles on it. The inner CV joints have about 1/16 of vertical/back and forth play in them. They where like this before the rebuild, with no leaks. The drivers side bearing cap has usually been the cap to fail.

 

Well, it should be an interesting drive from Phoenix to LA tomorrow morning .

I've already PM'd Hardtopguy on a complete quote for a 2004 diff casing with 4.57 gears. Hopefully my LSD can be salvaged.

UL