why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

1980 12 bolt open diff that was rebuilt 3 or so years ago with new everything gears, wheel bearings etc. I just need to know. Rear started making a howling noise at all speeds like a bad semi tire on the highway. thought it was wheel bearing but no, spider gears no, still had a ratcheting sound when turning the pinion yolk by hand. Took out carrier and still the noise. Took out the pinion and the outer bearing was pitted and all other bearings are good. Replaced the bad bearing and all is good so far. No slop in the pinion yoke when disassembled like a normal pinion bearing fail. I just want to know why that little bit of pitting could make such a terrible noise. I know he used a impact to install the pinion but at that time I did know that was a no no. Yes I used a new crush sleeve.

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

Pinion bearings spin about 3 1/2 times wheel speed (3.50 axle ratio example) so the noise turns into a high frequency noise quickly. Keep an eye on u joint/driveline angles condition and layout. As a past gmc dealer mechanic i replaced a pinion bearing a second time after an earlier warranty claim (both times pinion bearing issues) and found a rear u joint that had a rough spot. Obviously this was in a stock application. Good luck.

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

You had it all apart, For a few bucks more I would of changed out the carrier bearings along with the wheel bearings and seals....that way you know its all covered. bearing kit is only around 100 bucks...plus you replaced the crush sleeve which comes in the bearing kit....

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

It was my first try so I thought I would keep it simple plus carrier bearings are only 3 yrs. old

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

Your pinion bearings were three years old too, right ? maybe a year from now there will be a new post on this forum on how to press carrier bearings off the carrier....:ito:

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

Where do you think all the metal fragmentation went?......right into the oil to be circulated throughout the housing. All new bearings and rinse out the housing

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

but but but, simple and cheapest way is only replace the bad bearings.....LOL!!!!!! Just having fun, please don't take anything personal....

some folks do it one way and others do it the right way...Just saying...

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

I t was my first try at this, I know it might not work but it was a learning experience , give me a break. I can put this experience towards a good total rebuild

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

Have you done everything perfect in your life ?

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

Hey Blazer2007, sorry if I came across to direct for you...its my nature...I get to the point most of the time...... no beating around the ol bush ya know...

REBUILT NOT BOUGHT !!!!! if you rebuild, go all the way if you want to put your name on it. Its like rebuilding a transmission and you don't flush out the cooler lines....lesson learned... Have a great day and Good Luck !!!!

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

Fixed it for ya.

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

thanks airstream,

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

Any time. Do you have snow already??

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

crazy weather for us. snowed like crazy beginning on Nov. then froze to 16 C. for a week or so , now is 6 C. We don,t usually see snow until Dec 15 or so and then not much. Thanks for no quotes LOL. Hard to work on metal parts in that weather.

Re: why. pinion ratcheting sound ?
 

Thanks Tom, for fixing it....
but as I see this, people spend more money not doing it right the first time, not trying to argue about this but these forums should be used as a learning opportunity instead of correcting someones grammar....

should I assume every one is poor here on these forums and they can not buy the required parts to fix it right....teach the first timers the right way the first time....if you dont have the money to fix it right, drive daddys pinto until you save up enough cash to buy the parts....

This will be my last reply on this forum...Have a great day.....