leaky front differential?

[sprucegoose]

I have a 98 Tahoe that has suddenly begun leaking fluid from the drivers side CV shaft output area on the front diff. I can see where it is leaving a line from it slinging out around as you drive, and it will sometimes leave a 2" dia. spot on the floor where parked.

I know the seal is gone obviously, but is there a bearing that is directly inside that end that has let go? I can wiggle the output flange on that side and it has some movement there, much more than the opposite side near the pass. tire... If the bearing has gone, is this a serviceable area from the outboard end, or is it a major repair that should only be tackled by a certified mechanic?

Any comments or experiences that anothers have had with this? Thanks for any feedback!

[sprucegoose]

Forgot to mention there is definite noise coming from up there too. You have to listen close with it in 2wd... When you sart slowing down before you come to a stop it is kind of a humming, almost like a cupped tire or warped rotor sound. Like a soft wump-wump-wump sound.

If it is in 4wd there is significantly more noise than there used to be. It is almost like the sound of the RPMs coming up and the cooling fan noise...

[95tahoe4x4]

Certified mechanic, unless you have a hoist and about 4 hrs.

[sprucegoose]

Think I may have found the source of some of this leaking. I may still have a seal or bearing problem, but I found out today that the vent tube coming from the front differential was blocked! The end of the rubber hose has a plasic cap and when the GM dealer put my radiator shroud back on a couple years ago they must have forgotten to attach that hose back up there. It had dangled down too close to the exhaust manifold and melted to a solid glob on the end. It is supposed to be a slip fit valve so it wasn't functioning at all. That explains why it was leaking more when it was hot or after a longer drive...

The next issue was that the transfer case seems to be making noise now. I hope I can diagnose or fix that one without too much expense. I just don't have the money for a replacement or rebuild of that right now!