I have tracked down an noise I have been hearing lately to the rear axle.
Upon draining the oil from the rear diff, I found it to be the color and consistency of milk chocolate pudding.
Not a good look for gear oil. Obviously water got in there, which is a real mystery to me as I have not been wading at all
since the last time i serviced the rear end. Vent tube is in place and routed properly as well
Be that as it may, I believe the diff to be stuffed!
I was able to get a decent used diff from the local breakers with 174k miles on it.
Rather than just drop it in, I was planning to replace the outer bearings as well since they share the nice wet lube oil......
Question is, How are the bearings best removed? Rave does not seem to get into the actual rear axle other than R&R diff assy.
Are they as difficult to press in and out as the fronts?
Any hints and tricks for doing this greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Tom
im shore the oil doesn't lube the bearings, they are exactly like the front one's, haven't replaced one but i imagine they are the same as the front to remove
PS if the bearings are firm and smooth when you turn them i would leave them, if there a bit gritty or rough then replace them.
mad-as is correct. Assuming you are talking about the outer bearings, as in the wheel bearings in the hub, they are sealed units and there is an oil seal on the halfshaft to keep the axle oil in the axle and away from the outer bearings. When taking the hubs and halfshafts out to change the diff, it is a good idea to replace those axle seals anyway.
The only difference between front and rear is the fronts have a CV joint and the rears don't, just a rigid half shaft. That's also why the old fashioned way of checking for a wheel bearing failure by trying to wobble the wheel is pointless unless you can wobble it enough the bend the halfshaft!