Rear Diff Problems

Hi all,

Going through my rear axle today, noticed that when I turn the rear hub by hand theres a helacious grinding noise...but when I turn the pinion there isnt that same noise. Also my pinion moves about a 1/8th inch front and back....Im not sure what any of these noises or lose things mean, so I'd love some information!

Video for those who can see it.
[video=youtube;FVlsnOsAqqI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVlsnOsAqqI[/video]

 

spider gears working when you move one shaft.

 

Is it supposed to sound like that though? I moved both rear hubs and it only makes noise on the right.

 

The most concerning issue you have is the pinion shaft. It should not move "in and out" at all. If it does, your pinion bearings are worn beyond use. With the pinion moving around, even slightly, it is tearing up you ring gear too.
It will need to be pulled apart and repaired. My guess your bad noises are directly related to the loose pinion bearings.
-Donny

 

Sourcing OE parts....just gotta get some tools now

My Axle: 941866 (Model44) - Tapered Axle Shaft w/o power-lok

Parts for Rebuild:
Kits: Drive gear and pinion (3.73:1)..........937824
Differential Gear repair kit................916361

Don't know if that would be helpful to anyone but hey, there ya go

 

Tighten the pinion nut?

 

Yessir it was...and I tried tightening the pinion nut too..didnt draw up any play in the pinion

 

FYI if you end up tackling a rear end rebuild you will need a few tools like a heavy duty hub puller, a dial indicator, and not necessary but nice if you don't want to hurt your back is a slide hammer with a otc 8040 5/8 to 1 adapter for pulling the shafts out

 

Hayden,
If you plan to rebuild that axle yourself you will need a serious bearing puller for the differential side bearings as well as the pinion bearings. You will also need access to a press to put the new bearings on.

With a new ring and pinion plan on making several assembly/read pattern/dissasemble sequences. Getting the pinion stack thickness correct is critical to setting up the ring and pinion mating fit, and if that fit isn't correct the ring and pinion will shortly self destruct. The tools to do this quickly runs into several hundred $$$. If you don't already have the bearing puller tools, dial indicator and a press, I'd take it to a shop and pay them to do the setup.

Don

 

Don,

I was thinking about that. If I just get the parts, which I have found just need the money, I know a few axle shops in town that quoted me a decent price, 250$ or at least I think its a fair price, to put it together.

 

$250 is a fair price for that job.

Don