Front differential question?

[Newbie76039]

So i have a 2002 Toyota sequoia with 221,000 on the clock and was having some work done on the truck this weekend. My mechanic was telling me he could hear some noise coming from the front diff.. and i was hearing a grinding noise while driving but it sounded like a wheel bearing to me. So if it is truly the front diff can these be rebuilt or just completely replace them? Also another concern i have is if i am driving and it decides to crap the bed on me while driving are the fronts going to lock up on me if i am still in 2wd?

 

[Cort]

If it’s faulty then yes, you need to repair it immediately. Depending on the issue and what is actually inside it you may be able to repair instead of replace. It’s hard to tell until it’s opened up.

 

[4xFar Adventures]

As @Cort said, you'll really have to just remove the diff cover and inspect the R&P and side gears. If that is the problem, it's probably cheaper, and faster to just drop in a used unit that is already setup.