Can you drive if your front differential goes out?

[Kaylob92]

Hello, I've been having issues with my differential leaking. Atleast that's what I've been told is leaking I don't known much about cars so all this is new to me.It makes like a loud humming type noise. Just had the driverside cv axel replaced and it was really low on gear lube so we put some in and it pretty much leaked it all back out. I don't have the money to replace the differential so I wanna know if there is any alternatives. Like can I drive without it or is there something I can put in it to seal it back up so it don't leak? Again I don't know much about cars so if they seem like dumb questions that's why.

[Corsemoto]

How much oil was it low? It only takes approx 1.25 quarts (2.5 pints).

You need to find out where it's leaking from to better make a decision. The axle seals in the diff (#3 in picture) usually start leaking eventually. Where the axle housing (big tube on pass side #6 in picture) and cover plate (driver side #40 in picture) bolt on can leak or it's possible the drain plug or between the case halves themselves is leaking. Axle seal, side cover and drain plug would be my first thought.

Front differential exploded view:


If your front differential goes from lack of oil then it would have to be removed or replaced. You would have to remove front diff, front propshaft from transfer case and disassemble the cv axles (#32 below) to use the outer end that splines into the wheel hub (#27 below) because that stub and center nut (#22 below) are what preload the wheel bearings so can't drive without.



It may be easiest to replace the leaking axle seals and re-seal the cover plate if that's where it is leaking from.

[Don1806]

Hello, I've been having issues with my differential leaking. Atleast that's what I've been told is leaking I don't known much about cars so all this is new to me.It makes like a loud humming type noise. Just had the driverside cv axel replaced and it was really low on gear lube so we put some in and it pretty much leaked it all back out. I don't have the money to replace the differential so I wanna know if there is any alternatives. Like can I drive without it or is there something I can put in it to seal it back up so it don't leak? Again I don't know much about cars so if they seem like dumb questions that's why.

Bottom line is if you continue to drive it, it will be damaged and need to be replaced. It may also leave you sitting along the road if it seizes or burns up from lack of fluid. It may already be damaged since it has gotten noisy. It sounds like the leask is severe enough that there is no intermittent fix other than repair or replacement.

[Tegnus]

Hello, I've been having issues with my differential leaking. Atleast that's what I've been told is leaking I don't known much about cars so all this is new to me.It makes like a loud humming type noise. Just had the driverside cv axel replaced and it was really low on gear lube so we put some in and it pretty much leaked it all back out. I don't have the money to replace the differential so I wanna know if there is any alternatives. Like can I drive without it or is there something I can put in it to seal it back up so it don't leak? Again I don't know much about cars so if they seem like dumb questions that's why.

When you leave home in the morning, check for fluid leaks under the car, especially under the diff. Usually when it leaks well, it leaves small puddle of oil under the car.

If you are suspecting it's leaking - you could check oil yourself - it's easy. With car leveled, if you open drain plug and oil is coming out it's at level, if not you can add until it starts coming out. If you check regularly it's possible to understand how big of a leak you have.

Also when oil leaks - in most cases you will see where diff is "wet". at least that has been case for me, when pinion seal and axle seal leaked...

Good luck and remember, driving without diff oil can cost a lot....

[Kaylob92]

Thanks guys the info is much appreciated. Im pretty sure I located the leak looks like it's leaking between the differential and axel. I tried posting a pic not sure if it will upload.

[Kaylob92]

Also it's leaking pretty good. Leaving puddles probably about 3-4 inches wide.

[AstroWill]

Definitely a leak there, and I would take care of it ASAP.

[Tegnus]

Also it's leaking pretty good. Leaving puddles probably about 3-4 inches wide.

Then I would address that ASAP

[Corsemoto]

Looks like axle seal and I'd also remove and re-seal the cover plate with sealant. Surprised your mechanic didn't replace the axle seal when he replaced the cv axle.

[Leeann_93]

In fact, replacing the CV axle without replacing that seal probably caused the leak.

He needs to pull the axle, replace the seal and seal the cover, then reinstall the new CV axle. And hope the diff wasn't damaged in the meantime.

[Kaylob92]

Thanks for the replies. The pictures help alot and help me know what I'm looking for and looking at. I've just been having issues finding the seals. With it being broke down I literally have no ride anywhere so I've resorted to looking online but I've found nothing. Any links or exact name for the seals? Again idk alot about cars just the basics. So it's difficult to find something when you don't really know what your looking for.

[Kaylob92]

Also it wasn't done at a mechanic which is probably why it wasn't done. I just can't afford the ridiculous prices of a mechanic and he did it for free. He said if I get the seals he will do it just need to find them.

[Corsemoto]

They are 'front axle shaft seals' usually list under drivetrain / axle / front axle / axle shaft seals.

Timken 223255 (1990-1996)
http://www.amazon.com/Timken-223255-Seal/dp/B000BZ54AU/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Chevrolet|47&Model=Astro|415&Year=1996|1996&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&newVehicle=1&s=automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1117560&cc=1028078&jnid=526&jpid=0

SKF 12494 (1990-1996)
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1839634&cc=1028078&jnid=526&jpid=3

National 223255

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=253602&cc=1028078&jnid=526&jpid=2

Autozone Duralast/National 223255
http://www.autozone.com/drivetrain/axle-shaft-seal-front/duralast-axle-shaft-seal-front/chevrolet/astro-van-awd/1996/6-cylinders-w-4-3l-sfi/11969_0_0/

[Kaylob92]

Thanks so much it's very much appreciated that helps out alot. I was looking for the totally wrong thing no wonder I couldn't find it.

[Corsemoto]

No problem, hopefully you can get it fixed so you can drive your van again!

[redfury]

Also, the noise could very likely be coming from the spider gears. If you lift the whole front of the van up having both wheels in the air and rotate the tires, it should be smooth. If you hear a growling noise as the tires spin, then the spider gears have been worn ( just did the rear axle on my van because of this ). Unfortunately, with the front differential, it's more involved than the rear to replace them because there's more to do to get at them. Fortunately, they are fairly inexpensive. If you replace the front differential with a used unit from a yard, you absolutely have to make sure you are getting the exact same gear ratio as what you have in the rear, otherwise you will eat the transfer case up. Spider gears cost me about $100 for the gears, fluid and gasket for my rear end.

[dobaroy]

Just discovered our front diff is leaking and was thinking not to fix it as this 03 Safari has a whole lot of miles on it. Could we just drop the front driveshaft and keep driving? Thanks

[The Drummer]

Seems like you did not reed above , the answer is no .

[redfury]

No, the only way you could turn it into 2wd would be to dismantle each of the front CV joints and remove the axle shafts so that the only thing spinning is the tires..you need to have the splined shaft section in the wheel hub for a variety of reasons. The differential is still spinning gears on an AWD van even if the engine isn't supplying power to the axle by dropping the driveshaft.

[dobaroy]

Thanks Redfury for the reply.