2001 Buick Century Front Axle leak repair

BAILEYRT

MEMBER
2001 BUICK CENTURY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

Car has front axle taken apart to replace seal and apparently it was discovered that some kind of needle bearings were worn out and was informed that this would affect transmission operation. Is this a valid problem and if so could you give a detailed explanation. Thanks.

Thursday, November 6th, 2008 AT 5:11 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi:
DId they name the bearing that was bad?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 AT 7:05 PM

BAILEYRT

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I believe they mentioned a Torrington bearing.
The car was working great, no tranny sounds, fluid leaks etc. Apparently, the bearing damage caused the axle seal to leak.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 5:51 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi:
Torrington is a brand, but I feel that you are refering to the axle bearing that is located in the hub assembly. I looked up the assembly for you to see. Also, there is a price with it to help you determine how you're being treated.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mitchell1eautorepair-car-repair-manuals

This is where the ballbearing is located. Yes, if it is bad, it could cause seal problems at the transaxle where the axle goes in. However, you said there was no problem with the trans (no sounds, vibrations...). If the axle seal was leaking, I feel you would have seen trans fluid leaking to some extent.

Good luck. If you have other questions, let me know.
Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 9:05 PM