[lee]

Today, as I was leaving the grocery store I started hearing a terrible noise much like a very bad CV joint. Immediately pulled over. Note: there were no warnings or previous noises - I had been driving with windows down and stereo off.

With spouse driving it back and forth there is a loud periodic noise. This is not just in turning, it's also in a straight line - forward and reverse. I watched with the hood open and the whole engine assembly seems to jump when the click occurs. Have I toasted the front diff? It sounds like maybe I lost a tooth in a gear assembly (or like I said a VERY bad CV by sound alone).

It was only a couple of blocks so we pulled it home in neutral - noise still there, but not as loud as when under it's own power.

It's in the garage now and I can smell that distinctive differential lube smell. I'm really hating this. The tranny is only 18 months old, and is/was working perfectly - if it is the diff, does the tranny have to go as well?

help - advice, please.

tia, Lee