Replacing Driver side axle

[PCH2]

So, I took the 2 in for a strange power steering leak that showed up in the front driver side wheel well and a clunk in the drive line when slowing down and then giving it throttle. Techs could not find anything wrong with drive line or transmission. Left it there for further inspection and the Service writer called and said that they would have to install a filter in the power steering line to help with "pressure build up" that caused the leaking, they also said that the driver side drive axle is "frozen" to the transfer case. To replace it will be 1100.00, but they won't replace the passenger side because it isn't "frozen". Has anyone heard of this? Also, is there a way to get them to replace both instead of just one? I am looking for anyone that might know the "magic phrase" to use to the Service writer? They did say that my extended warranty will pay for the replacement, but why stop there? Do I have any argument for replacing both, or should I wait until the other one "freezes"? Am I missing something here, or are they playing me and the extended warranty company?

 

[Zach]

Haven't heard of having to add a filter for the power steering system before. Had to do it with the front diff vent hose. That is a known problem. Easy fix though. Drivers side axle frozen to the tcase? I'm lost on that one. Axle goes to the front diff not the tcase. And if it was frozen, I would think the wheel wouldn't want to spin or bind up the front diff.

 

[alrock]

Don't know what they mean by "frozen". Really, there shouldn't be a need to replace the passenger side - they don't fail in pairs, or need to be replaced in pairs like springs. Does frozen mean the bolts are frozen to the diff? Then yes, get it replaced as you don't want to have to deal with that on the trail, should disaster strike. Frozen in any other way? Like Zach says, that doesn't make sense.

 

[06 H3]

thats weird....I dont get how it can be frozen. Id pull the "frozen" side out and put in a trail spare if you have one and see if the clunk goes away.

 

[Mr_Rich]

I was actually thinking about putting a filter in-line with my power steering since I've already replaced the pump once. When I replaced the 700R4 in my K1500 part of the break-in procedure was putting an in-line filter in the cooling line. The trans shop gave me a filter similar to an in-line gas filter except the filter I'm talking about also has a magnet to trap any iron particles during filtering. I've even thought about an Oberg-style filter like they use in Nascar. Just an idea until I have more money to spend....