2000 Silverado Front End Noise, and Leak

[abelsonjason]

She's a 4x4 1500 and is leaking from where the front c/v axel meets the front differential on the drivers side. I am curious about this connection. All the forum I read about talk about the passenger side axel seal. Here's the catch.... there is also a slight "tinking" sound. No clunks or grinds. yet. Just tink...tink...tink. Almost as if something is binding and releasing. The noise increases with speed. Please help diagnose if you can. Thanks

 

[Off Road King]

hubs could be stuck, does it grind at full trun?

 

[abelsonjason]

No grinds. Just the slight noise when in motion. The leak from the differential carrier bearing is my biggest concern, and what might be damaged causing the leak?

 

[abelsonjason]

I took it to a mechanic today, and they want to replace the front differential. They said it's rare to see a leak from the driver side stub shaft. Rebuilt differential is $1100, and labor is $250 through their shop. They also noticed an oil pan gasket leak that they recommended replacing since the differential would be out