Rear Diff Making Noise - Fu..., Er, Help Me!

[SnowSurfLax]

So, thought I was just going in to get a front wheel bearing fixed. Not the problem. They don't know, let it run a while waiting for noise. Noise comes. Not front bearing. Rear differential is making the horrible noise. They're telling me could be $600, could be $2100.

So, if it's on the low side, I'll just pay them to do it (have to arrange place to do work, so I'll pay for the convenience).

If it's on the high side, I think I'd rather just buy a new/rebuilt pumpkin and put it in.

Anyone ever done the work? Anyone have any suggestions? Could someone (besides a stiff drink) offer me anything for consolation?

[fueler]

major bummer dude. which shop diagnosed this for you?

theres a lot of QX4's at the junkyards now, im sure the pumpkin can be found for a few hundred since they just wanna get these rare cars off the junkyard lot.... let me know if you need the names of the junkyards.... PS u just gotta check to make sure the gearing matches, if u do it yourself. also if you like, i can get my buddy Les (at Snappy Auto) to quote you pumkin replacement via email, just so u have something to compare to. Free estimates dont hurt. I can get him to quote new diff vs. junkyard diff

[SnowSurfLax]

Yes! - Check your email.

[pathfinder9035]

hey on my old 99 toyota 4runner i guess it made the same wining noise that u are talking about. it is either your drive shaft or ring and pinion that is worn out. u might have to replace the ring and pinion gears for that noise to go away. well toyota siad it would cost from 1800 dollars to 2100 to fix and replace. not sure about nissan. now i currently own a 2001 nissan pathfinder.

[SnowSurfLax]

Thanks! Though not exactly comforting!

[KoukiS14]

man I paid 300 for an R200 with vlsd in my 240. . it's not the same diff, but is the same as the R50 front diff. Just find another diff and install it. . that's ludicrous, even on the low end. . .unless I'm missing something.

[SnowSurfLax]

Yeah, depending on the word from the shop, we'll see how it goes. My lack of a place to do work makes it tough to do my own repairs.

I might have to grab fueler and roll out to some junkyards for my new pumpkin. I'm not payin good money for other people to do my work!

[SnowSurfLax]

Update: Shop let me know that the specialists want to replace the front PS bearing before tackling the rear. Said they hooked up the diagnostic tools and it sounded fine, but front bearing had to be replaced to be sure. WTF? Opinions Please.

*Edit*

Front bearing was cause. Un-frickin-believable. Swore my rear diff was eating its own gears when I heard it.
Modified by SnowSurfLax at 2:00 PM 10/6/2008