Hey all, so I was at the dealer getting my front left hub replaced. Tech noticed whining/groaning from the front differential probably due to bearings being worn. I asked how much that would be to replace and just gave me an off the top of their head quote about$2400.00. I asked if it would be a safety issue to continue to drive it and he didn't really answer that directly just said to keep driving it to get 200K miles out of it, I currently have ~193K on my 2007 Tahoe LTZ 4WD. My question is should I replace it or have it rebuilt? If it comes down to it, I just may sell it, but its so high mileage probably not worth getting rid of just cough up money to fix/replace the front diff.

I'm in the northern VA area, if anyone has suggestions on good places to have it rebuilt local to me or anywhere in the U.S. that does this type of thing on a regular basis. I feel like diesel truck lovers would know good places.

Thanks in advance!

 

I'd probably just change out the Fluid, and keep driving it until it really got bad (noisy).
The $2400 seems a little high (get a second bid) but start saving your money now for an eventual re-build.

 

In the 2007 Tahoe, if you are in 2WD, the front differential is NOT spinning.
I give the tech props for noticing this, however did he notice it, or are they 'looking' for work?
in 2WD, since it's not spinning you have no wear and no noise...
And I'm guessing use 4WD rarely, so... if it was mine, I'd leave it.

However, if the bearings give up under load, you could grenade the whole thing

 

I just had the fluid changed out a month ago. Im not a very good saver, lol. I'll either use my CC or try to sell the vehicle. I don't trust the dealership to rebuild it, I've been searching for a shop that I could send it to, like ATS (diesel transmission builder) but it seems they only deal with diesels, I may give them a call just to rule it out.

 

I've always heard the noise myself for many years already. It's very noticeable. So if what you say is true, then it could be the rear diff that is making the noise? I only use 4WD HI when it snows or snow is on the road. I have never used 4WD LO, maybe just to test it out to see what its like, but that's about it. Or I'll just kind of exercise it once in a while to just see if its engaging properly.

 

I don't think the noise is coming from the front diff if you are hearing it in 2WD.
Now the front CV shafts DO spin in 2WD, as the wheel pushes them. CV shafts do wear out.
I'd find another shop and let them know of the noise and when it occurs to help diagnose it.

I'm trying to find a video on it, but basically the vehicle has two disconnect points. One at the transfer case to stop the front drive shaft from spinning, and one at each front wheel drive off the front diff.

I know how this system works, however haven't had to take mine apart. Basically it gives you the ability that locking hubs used to, without having to get out in the cold/mud.

Which makes me think the noise is coming from outside the front diff, since it doesn't rotate in 2WD in a Tahoe. (in a wrangler it does)! (97-15)

 

I do hear a faint ticking noise from the left front wheel, which I originally thought was the wheel bearing, but now the new hub assembly is in and the ticking is still there. It it proportional to my speed, but above a certain speed you can't hear it anymore. Maybe thats the CV axle I'm hearing? But the CV boot is just fine, no tears in it and no grease anywhere. I forgot to mention earlier about the supposed front diff noise, it goes away at about 40mph. I hear it while accelerating and hear it even more when slowing down to a stop. Also, I put the transfer case into neutral with the trans in neutal and I could hear a rattle from under the car near the trans/transfer case area, not sure if thats normal or not.