I took my truck down to a mechanic to have a look over yesterday. I noticed a bit of fluid on the drive and its coming from the Tie Rod. However, when it was there they said that the Rear Differential will need to be replaced. I thought this was slightly odd as it doesn't make noise, its not leaking and the truck corners fine. Is there anyway that a mechanic can tell whats going on in the rear end without taking the cover off?

 

Did you ask him why he thinks it needs to be replaced? That would be a good place to start.....

 

I did, he said it was loose and about to fall apart. To be fair I was a bit shell shocked as I took it in for a tie rod and wheel alignment and got a quote for $5K on repairs that need to be fixed.

 

Go some place else. It's loose is not a diagnosis.

 

Agree. Sounds like you are about to get ripped off.

 

"Loose and about to fall apart" sounds like a diagnosis from Aamco (or Jiffy Lube).