Front Differential Leaking

[Dave Compson]

Ok, need some advise. I did a search and couldnt find anything about this. I noticed there is a seeping type of leak from both sides of the front differential. (where the diff meets the axles) Also, there seems to be a tire type of howl at speed. When the speed is low, there is no noise. Also, there is no clunking noise, or vibration in the wheel or near the front of the truck. I cant figure out if the truck has loud tires, and a little leak in the front end? Or what? It is a 03 h2 with 63k on it. Never off road, (not my fault) and always serviced at the dealer. There are no error messages and again no noises or thumps from that area.

Dave

[Dave Compson]

Ok, need some advise. I did a search and couldnt find anything about this. I noticed there is a seeping type of leak from both sides of the front differential. (where the diff meets the axles) Also, there seems to be a tire type of howl at speed. When the speed is low, there is no noise. Also, there is no clunking noise, or vibration in the wheel or near the front of the truck. I cant figure out if the truck has loud tires, and a little leak in the front end? Or what? It is a 03 h2 with 63k on it. Never off road, (not my fault) and always serviced at the dealer. There are no error messages and again no noises or thumps from that area.

Dave

[TXSUT]

Seems like a trip to a mechanic is in order. You gotta get those leaks fixed.

[VTSTOMPER]

"howl" = worn front end in most cases. Does it do it less under a load?

Might have to replace ring and pinion or more. Could be all the gear oil is gonzo, or low. If I remember right the 03's had a TSB on the front end.

[Dave Compson]

Im taking it in this afternoon to have it checked out and an estimate. The sound dosent change under load, and it dosent get louder. Its just steady. After further inspection it appears the leak is not getting bigger, its just there. Kinda like seapage.

[It\'s a Dry Heat]

I don't like my diffs checked when I get oil changed. They seem to always leak from that point on. But at least it's a simple fix. The area where you say yours leak, could it be coming from some where else?

[Big Z]

look anything like this!

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/9...356070783#9356070783 (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/9356070783/r/9356070783#9356070783)

[Dave Compson]

-its a dry heat- I am not really sure where exactlly the leak is comming from. I am hoping i am missing something simple like seapage from a past oil change, dryed up stuff. you know... something easy to explain.

-Big Z- Mine is not that bad! Wow that sucks, and the fluid looks dry and is not leaking down the lower control arm. Thanks for the thread to look at, makes me feel better.

Dave

[VTSTOMPER]

if the sounds is not changing under load it sounds less like the front end to me. Have you tried it in 4X4-high?

[H2Finally]

Dave, in 2 years I've had "front diff leak" like 5 times. All were minor leaks fixed under warranty. I wouldn't worry too much.

[Dave Compson]

Well, the hummer dealership is closed today (for service only...) And i am way out of warranty.. So, ill crawl under there and take some photos to attach to this thread.. standby..

and thanks for watching..

[Dave Compson]

I have not tried the 4x4 settings yet, just got the truck last week. So here you all go.

Drivers side 1

[Dave Compson]

And for drivers side 2

[Dave Compson]

Drivers side 3

[Dave Compson]

And just for reference, heres the passenger side.

[Dave Compson]

Pass side 2

[Dave Compson]

And finally number 3, thanks for all the advise in advance.

[VTSTOMPER]

could be a seal by the looks to me...

[Dave Compson]

A seal is better than a whole new differential. Any idea on cost estimation? And, does it look like its just the drivers side, or both?

[Dan]

Mine looks like that too. Taking it in next week. One of the techs here said he could change both in about an hour which should help you get an idea on cost.

[Dave Compson]

Ok, i took it in to a local reputable shop and got an estimate for fixing the leak. Its going to be about $150 total. So, that being so cheap, i am having them change the fluids in the differentials and transfer case while they are down there. Also, they said there was supposte to be a vent on the front diff., but it looks like someone put a plastic plug in it. The tech says i have two leaks comming from the front drivers side diffential. So, bottom line is its cheaper than i thought. And ill let you all know later what the total is.

[tomp]

Just after I noticed my front sway bar linkage is missing, I looked around and noticed my diff is leaking just like these pics.

'06 with 9k miles

[Klaus]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tomp:
Just after I noticed my front sway bar linkage is missing, I looked around and noticed my diff is leaking just like these pics.

'06 with 9k miles </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Get an alignment done http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

x2 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Dave Compson]

Ok, so the total damage was $150 for the pinion seal, change the front and rear diff. oil, and the transfer case. I am happy.

Dave