Topic: Rear end noise

[russiankid]

A lot of things get easy after doing it several times, this is my first GM product so hope it treats me well.

[russiankid]

Bad news, the wheel bearing when it was taken out fell apart. Popped a new one in, everything should be good eh? Nope, the noise is still there but not as bad, had 3 different die hard Chevy fanatics look at it and they all said carrier bearings, but its not to big of a deal unless it gets worse. So in conclusion, the rear right bearing was bad, but it wasn't the only culprit causing the issue.

[Main One]

Sorry to hear that there's more to it than you thought.

[russiankid]

Its alright, I just need to keep an eye on it. Once I notice it is getting worse I will get new carrier bearings, pinion bearing, and the other axle bearing put in.

[russiankid]

I went ahead and had the u-joints replaced, noise is still present. I put the truck on jacks and pulled both side brakes off, noise was still there. I used a stethscope and the pinion bearing area and carier bearing were quiet. The noise was on the outside of the axle. However, I could hear the noise on both sides of the axle, but it is more pronounced on the drivers side tho without a stethascope it is quiet on the drivers side but loud on the passenger side.

So now I am facing the issue, if I get the rear end rebuild I am going to put a Detroit locker in there with all new bearings and seals. However, what is the guarantee that it will fix the issue? It could be bent axles tho they spin straight, no odd tire wear. Another thing is the back lash on the pinion and ring gear could be out, so I would have to get a new ring and pinion as well.

With that said, I am looking at $700-800 just in parts plus labor of getting it installed. Being a college student this won't be happening that soon, I'd rather not spend the money I have saved up without a job if I can keep driving. My buddies tell me "drive her till she blows", which looks like the option I am going with. It will probably be a while before that happens, but I have AAA so I should be ok.

[Main One]

I feel for you - I hate driving a vehicle with a noise indicating an obvious mechanical problem.

[russiankid]

Definitely. I always stay on top of the maintenance and any issues that arise. I am actually anal about my vehicles, if there is a problem I get it fixed ASAP. This howver is a more expensive fix with no real guarantee. I am thinking about locating a whole rear axle with low miles and swap in.

[Main One]

I am thinking about locating a whole rear axle with low miles and swap in.

Sounds like a pretty good idea to me.

[russiankid]

From what I know Suburbans and Tahoe's used the same rear, correct? Need to find a wrecked one and pull it.