I discovered that I was losing differential fluid when I went to drain and refill the dif and only got about 8 ounces of fluid out. I refilled and wiped down everything around the dif. After driving for a few days I found evidence of new Dexron leaking from the driver's side front axle. I had a mechanic put it on a lift and he showed me where the axle shaft had about 1/4" of sideways play in it. He's telling me that the dif carrier needs to be reolaced to the tune of $800 ($400) in parts. When the car is sitting flat, I'm unable to get the axle to move at all. Also there has been no gear whine or unusual noises from the drivetrain. I would think that if the dif were worn that bad, that I would have some symptoms. I got an estimate of $150 just to replace the axle seal. Would I just be throwing money away to attempt the seal replacement first ? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I bought the Camry 6 months ago and so far have put about $1900 into it.
- posted
16 years ago