Had a rear pinion leak (connecting the drive shaft) that needed a gasket - closer observation showed the differential cover was also leaking despite having just had a new one less than a year ago. Of course the gear oil was drained and replaced at that time - but this go-around (different mechanic who I trust completely) said that the gear oil was really dirty - he even asked me a couple of times - you sure you saw him change the oil?? He said my rear end was failing, that it would need to be replaced soon -
I accepted this diagnosis but the other mechanic, a young guy who actually did the repairs said if I was careful, no long haul trips (I don't/won't pull anything or carry any loads) I'd be ok, maybe even another 100,000 miles. That's a big difference from what his boss said and I'm inclined to believe both of them were being honest - one was being practical the other was trying to make me feel better!
It's summer, I'd like to go up into the woods, maybe some camping. I don't want to get stuck somewhere tho!! Of course I don't need this to fail in the middle of winter either.
Is there a noise or some other indication to watch for when I absolutely have to have this repaired? Is this a safety issue too, that is, can it cause an accident of some sort or what?
I accepted this diagnosis but the other mechanic, a young guy who actually did the repairs said if I was careful, no long haul trips (I don't/won't pull anything or carry any loads) I'd be ok, maybe even another 100,000 miles. That's a big difference from what his boss said and I'm inclined to believe both of them were being honest - one was being practical the other was trying to make me feel better!
It's summer, I'd like to go up into the woods, maybe some camping. I don't want to get stuck somewhere tho!! Of course I don't need this to fail in the middle of winter either.
Is there a noise or some other indication to watch for when I absolutely have to have this repaired? Is this a safety issue too, that is, can it cause an accident of some sort or what?