I have a “humming” noise (similar to if I had mud tires) coming from the front end. Occurs at speeds above 25mph, does not happen when turning right – only left and even if a very slight turn. I figured it was the CV or wheel bearing but when I got underneath I found fluid seemingly leaking from differential where the cv meets.
I know the CV boots tend to break open but mine are intact so I guess the question is this – Does this seem like a problem with the CV axel or do I have a problem elsewhere?
This is on an 02'.

 

I should add that I can feel a very slight vibration when the noise is present.

 

It's likely a bad wheel bearing causing the hum.

Hard to tell from the color, almost looks like you're dripping antifreeze. If it is oil, you have a leaking seal where the CV shaft slides into the differential.

 

The fluid is much thicker than antifreeze most definitely differential oil - any idea if if a leaking seal is a symptom of a bad CV Axel?
Thanks for the reply.

 

Nope, seal is totally separate issue.

Go for a drive down a LOW traffic road. Get up to the speed where it starts being noisey, then, swerve back and forth across the road. (why I want low traffic.....) If it gets noticeably louder when you are turning, that's highly likely to be a wheel bearing. If it's louder when turning right, its the drivers side bearing, if louder turning left, that's passenger side bearing.

If the axle is on the same side as the bad bearing, (assuming it IS a bad bearing.....) You are going to be most of the way to pulling the axle anyway, so, yank it, and replace that seal as well. It's probably less than 10 bucks for the seal.

 

Thanks, looks like I'm gonna have to do the seal on drivers side and bearing on passenger side, oh well. Appreciate the replies!