Noisy differential or CVs? 2012 Sienna AWD

[sky jumper]

2012 Sienna AWD. I thought I had a bad wheel bearing but traced the noise to the rear diff. Not sure if its an internal bearing, worn out gears, or one/both of the CV axles?

anyone have experience with this? 4 years ago I replaced the infamous viscous coupler due to a screeching bearing, and had to replace the diff oil at the same time. used Synpower 75W90 gear oil. now it sounds like a bad wheel bearing coming from the differential itself.

I really don't want to replace a differential in this vehicle.

 

[sky jumper]

hmm, well if I'm committed to replacing the diff (which it seems I may be) in the meantime can I just remove the rear axles to eliminate the noise? I suppose maybe that would expose the wheel hubs to the external environment? or is the wheel bearing sealed even with the axles removed?

 

[D60]

Can you take a look at the fluid by draining? If things are as bad as you say I'd expect to see metal?

Many CV stubs include a dust shield or slinger type disc. The bigger concern with driving would be if the wheel bearings will stay together - - I honestly don't know. I was once taught many unit bearings need the axle in there to keep them together, but I've also read here on BITOG that may not be true. Ideally you'd want dummy stubs to put back in and tighten down the nut.

Let us know what you do!