Possible transmission issue?

[beaverplt]

Hi all,

A new and different noise started a couple of days ago on my 2001 SL1. It didn't quite sound like a bearing, but did change tone during a left turn. Applying the brakes didn't change it. I have the day off today to dig into it. Put it up on jacks, started it, and put it in drive. Left side sounded ok. When I went over to the right side, the wheel is not even turning. So apparently only the left front is driving the car. I'm guessing I've got a problem either with the drive shaft or inside the tranny. I have done most everything else on my SL's (this car is my 5th) but this one is new to me. Any guidance would be appreciated.

[Waiex191]

Differentials work that way. I don't think it's a problem.

Regarding the noise, probably a wheel bearing or a CV joint.

[beaverplt]

Considering that I replaced both front wheel bearings 2 years ago, I would doubt it's a bearing. I need to dive a bit deeper into this.

[Zeebins]

How many miles has it been since the wheel bearings where done last and what brand where they? Aftermarket wheel bearings are really hit or miss. Some people will get 100K out of them while others seem to do it every 10K. Timiken is pretty good from what I hear.

[Waiex191]

For research, I waded through a lot of bearing horror stories and successes here in the forums. I ended up selecting SKF. Mine were made in Spain, which is not china. So far, so good.

[Ricketts]

I changed my front wheel bearings three times in 2 years because of junk. Luckily my garage warranted it. I can't honestly recall what brand they put in last, but it's been good for 8 years now.

I recall reading here about it being very important to torque the axle nuts to (I believe) 148 ft/lbs...I always wondered if the garage did that correctly, so I bought myself a 30mm socket and double check the torque every time I switch between winter and summer tires. So I do not have any proof that has helped or not, but it's been 8 years

[beaverplt]

Finally got the time to look further into this. It was too hard to tell exactly where the noise is due to noise traveling through metal, but it didn't sound like bearings I've had go before. I took the knuckle off and the bearing turns fine, so I doubt that's it. I don't remember the brand of the bearing, but SFK or initials to that effect sound familiar. I think the only thing else to do is replace the axle.
Does it matter if the car has ABS or not for that replacement?