Pinion Bearing Replacement.

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Brian Wolf

Brian Wolf

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Joined
Jun 27, 2005
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Location
Columbus, OH
Howdy,



I have a 02 4x4 with 3.73 non-limited slip ( Axle code 46 )

I'm pretty sure from searching here, and talking to a couple buddies, that the rear pinion bearing is unhappy. I get the whine while accelarating, goes away when I let off the gas. Getting loud, espicially when the back window is down.



Anyway... How diffucult is it to fix this issue? How long is it safe to drive with it?

Unfortuneately, I'm having a good run of bad luck, and dealer quoted me around 700 to fix, and right now that's not possible. ( might be in a couple months )



I've put on my own shocks, brakes, etc. so I think I'm mechanically inclined enough to do it, just wondering if anyone has attempted this themselves, and how diffucult is it.



Thanks!
 
The pinion bearing ( if that is truly it) requires complete dissemble of the rearend, you need depth gauges, run out gauges and possibly a pinion shim kit to properly fix.



And that is a nightmare on your back on the driveway...



Did the dealer tell you it was the pinion bearing ???



DID you check for play in the axle???



DID you check the fluid level ??



Todd Z
 
It's not rocket science to replace the pinion bearings, but it does take a level of skill, the right tools, and lots of patience to get the backlash correct. I wouldn't want just any mechanic doing the work--the potential is there to screw it up and severely affect the long-term durability and functionality.



If I were you, I'd look into getting a used rear end and doing a swap. That wouldn't be a real hard job. You might be able to upgrade to limited-slip, a different gear ratio, and/or rear disk brakes if you don't have them now.
 
Did you ck the torque on the pinon nut as if it is lose it will make it sing and if it is not fixed it will mess up the ring and pinon and then they will need to be replaced. Good luck and have fun. Bill
 


Dealer says that what it sounds like, but wants me to bring it in next week to be sure.



I checked for play in the axle, No much at all before the wheel starts to turn, actucally doesn't seem to be any more than normal.



As for the fluid check, Not yet. Was going to figure that one out later this week. Possibly attempt a flid change as well.



Torque on the pinion nut, Is that in the differential? If so will have to check when I do te fluid change.



Maybe I should see how long she'll go, and maybe have enough for an upgrade. I dunno. Just wish it could have waited a little longer.



Thanks!
 
At our shop, the normal price for this job out the door costs $180 to $240 depending on the type of rear end as some come apart differently thus, take more time to do.



As others have said, it is not a hard job, but it does need to be done right in order to solve and not cause further damage due to back-lash mis-adjustment.



On the flip side, a rear end with Limited Slip is available at the below locations...



2001

Rear Axle

Ford Explorer MIA ,4X2,SPORT,373 LOCKER COMPLETE AA0660 $400 Andrews Auto Salvage USA-GA(Griffin) E-mail 1-866-233-3881



2001

Rear Axle

Ford Explorer 3.73 posi 104,000 00016710 $325 PRP - Knox Auto Parts USA-TN(Knoxville) E-mail 1-888-242-8733



2001

Rear Axle

Ford Explorer Sport 64,463MILES 3.73 RATIO POSI IC 64,463 A 051011 $300 Jeff Smid Auto USA-IA(Iowa-Falls) Request_Quote 1-800-528-3147 Request_Insurance_Quote





Or, without the Limited Slip option they are available all day long for right around $300 ish dollars...



Let me know if you want/need further information.
 
CoastieJoe:



I'm down in Columbus, Your profile shows Madison, OH. I'd almost be willing to drive up there to your shop. ( let me know if that is a posibility, I'm open )



I stopped at two ford dealers, First one said around 700, but could be as high as 1000. I stopped at the other close by Ford dealer, They said they wouldn't fix it, I'd need a whole new axle for 1200 - 1500.



Just a few more months, and it's mine.



 
Wolf, my shop itself is in Conneaut Ohio which is on the line of Ohio and PA.



Also, I am almost NEVER there anymore, just do the silent partner thing.



However, I can easily get you a confirmed price and send the information to you as well as a phone number so you can make an appointment is you so desire.



Would you like the info???
 
Coastiejoe:



Yes, I would appreciate the info.



A buddy of mine recommended a local shop, I am going to check them out, but if they seem sketchy, I'd have no problem driving a couple hours to somewhere that is recommended by someone on here.



I am going to change the diff fluid today after work, just one of those cover all bases before I freak out type of things.



Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it.
 
Changed the diff fluid today. Man that stuff stinks! Gagged me.

Anyway, Looks like possibly some water was in there. Ick. Light brown yuk came out.

I cleaned it all out.

Not alot of metal shavings, just the normal on the magnet ( Yes, I found the magnet, on the end of the fill bolt )

The noise is a little quieter, but still there, but visually, didn't look too bad. So i'm hopeful it's only the bearing.

Wasn't a hard job to do, and filled it w/ Mobil1 75w90.



Oh yeah, I got a Gasket ( asked for the Mustang 8.8 ) It fit perfectly!



Now to figure out what to do about the noise, Menat to stop somewhere local and inquire today, but didn't get to it, and coastie knows of a shop a couple hours away.



Thanks all.
 
Wolf,



If you do decide to have Coastie's shop fix it, I can give you my cell number. I am in Akron. I also own a trailer. I would be more than willing to haul you up there is the condition makes the travel impossible. I could either load you on the trailer on put you on a tow dolly.



Email me privatly if need be.





Tom
 
Uncle_Bob:



I never knew a vehicle could produce such a stench. It looked gross, and smelled even worse. I'd rather change diapers all day. Like the first time I smelled Diesel fuel, it's a smell I'll never forget. ( Didn't help that I also had a migrane at the time too )



Caymen:



Thanks for the offer, I truely appreciate it. There are still a few good people in the world... And most of them own Sport tracs.





Ever since the fluid change, It's not sounding as scary. I still need to get it fixed.

I hope to get to a couple shops locally today. Get an estimate. At least now that I've been inside of the diff, I know what it looks like in there, and can explain it better.

I'd really prefer to get it done local, unfortuneately I don't know enough people here to recommend a good shop, and since I do everything myself, I haven't had much need for a shop.



Anyway, Learned a lesson, The diff fluid is important, It's one of those things I've never thought of too much, but who know, if I kept up with it, It may be fine today.

I religioulsy change my oil every 5k, and drop the tranny pan/filter once a year. Guess I'll be adding the diff in there as well now.
 
Called my shop, pulled the specs on the time and what the parts should cost. It looks like it will be a window of $290 to $320 for everything, which, will include a new crush sleeve as well.



If you have someone else do it, I suggest that you do get the new crush sleeve. They do add time to the job because of the measuring you have to do, (backlash specs), but, it will ensure the pinion gear is in the correct location as long as the job is done properly.



Take it where ever you want. You have no obligation to me, just wanted to get you good info.



Good luck and have a good day...
 
A few years ago, with the 5.0L '88 T-bird I built. I bought the ring an pinion and bearings and LS unit. I paid a local shop to install. Total around $500...
 

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