Hello all,
I have a 2007 Vanden Plas with 55k miles. I have been hunting some growling noise coming from my diff assembly for a while.
After lifting the car and running it from 0-50mph, and using a stethoscope, I am pretty sure that the noise comes from one of my differential output shaft bearings. It sounds like metal on metal rotating at the same frequency as the tires. I checked the wheel bearings too and those are quiet.

My question is, can I replace these bearings (which are only about $18 a piece in autozone) without dropping the differential?
The process laid out in the repair hanbook specifies removing the wheel knuckle assembly and bearings, and then using a special tool to pull out the shaft from the differential. I do not have that tool.
Can I simply use a regular axle shaft puller? I really appreciate anyone's help on this!

Thank you

 

May I ask why you haven't just updated your other post ?