96 Camry Differential Question

[marragtop]

I have a 96 Camry 2.2, AT, 200k miles. Recently it has developed a somewhat sporatic scrapping type sound that sounds like it's in the left front. I've ruled out brake and wheel bearing problems and am leaning towards a differntial issue. The left axel does have some appreciable up and down play in it. CV joint and boots look fine, so I don't believe it's the axel itself. Also, the diff was close to 3 pints low on fluid. Yes, I know it only hold 3.4 pints so it was clearly run low on fluid. My questions:

- I'm asuming that the left side axel has a carrier bearing inside the diff. Is this correct?
- Is there anyway to further inspect the carrier bearing and/or diff components without disassembling the diff?
- Can the carrier bearing be replaced without removing the diff?

Any and all replies are appreciated.

thanks

[marragtop]

Bump... any thoughts on this this?

[1steve]

Hello,

1. Yes there is a bearing on both sides of differential.
2. Only if you can get cover off, not alot of room though.
3. No it must be removed

Hope this helps, Steve

[pmx007PL]

Study this topic (replacing differential): [gen3] Grinding noise from A/T (car won't go). !
Unfortunatelly, differential (driver's side gear) is very weak point of Camry. If there was not enough oil, it's probably damaged somehow.

Worn CV joints can make clicking sound when you turn and that's all (sometimes on straight line direction noise can be also present and it's similar to worn bearings, easy to mistake).
Worn differential gears will also start clicking during turning, but there is always force on steering wheel, that resists when you try to turn.

First check again your wheels bearings, brake system, CV joints on axles (take off boots and inspect it). Then go to differential.