Bad pinion bearing repair?

[ElmoTheDestroyr]

Hi,

So, I started to experience a new noise in my 99 cruiser... Occasionally if I let off the gas and coast, I'll hear what sounds like an intermittant rumble, like driving over evenly spaced rumble strips on the highway.

Based on a little reading it sounds like the pinion bearing is likely the cause (feel free to make other suggestions! ) ...

My question is, if my diagnosis is correct, whats it going to cost to repair? What is the cheapest option?

I was thinking maybe just getting a junkyard rear axle assembly and having someone put it in might save some money ($350-400ish in parts), vs a proper new pinion bearing install..

Honestly, I have no idea, never got into anything inside differentials... I'm guessing its not going to be cheap.

Kinda sucks, I was literally a week away from putting it on Ebay (Family emergency, gotta move 2000 miles away quick)... lol, man 2020 is good at ****in' things up.

Any suggestions would be great!

 

[2001LC]

Drain and inspect differential & transfer case fluids, and drain plugs. Check if levels before draining. If you've been in deep water, it may have entered the gear box(s). I'd imagine you'd have more than just metal dust on the magnets of drain plugs, if damaged.

Also closely inspect spider joints (AKA U-joints) and slip yoke of propeller shafts (AKA drive shafts)

 

[01gxr]

Just a tip always start with the refill plug on the rear differntial when changing fluid for some reason beyond my understanding the drain plug will never get stuck but the refill plug will almost always seem like its welded in place

 

[JunkCrzr89]

I would do some inspecting before jumping on the pinion bearing wagon. The “rumbling” you describe is often carrier bearings, but could also be wheel bearings. Bad pinion bearing often makes a “whirring” noise.

 

[ElmoTheDestroyr]

Right on, thanks for the tips... Hopefully it's something less complex than the pinion stuff! Now to squeeze in the time for diagnostics.. oi

 

[maxamillion2345]

Any play in the pinion?

 

[ElmoTheDestroyr]

Any play in the pinion?

Not sure, literally havent had a minute to look at it close... In the middle of a rather complex family emergency. Gunna try to look at it Tuesday or Wednesday, if I cant I'll probably just take it to a shop for diagnosis... Just so f'ing busy right now dealing with 2020 carnage. lol

Definitely on the list to look at when I get a chance though.