Siverado Transfercase Front Output Bearing

[christopherjayj]

I have a '99 Silverado 1500 with a bad front output bearing in the transfercase. This is the third time it has failed. Can the bearing be replaced without opening the transfercase? Is this a common problem or is there somthing in particular that could cause it to fail? The fuild level is OK, it is not due to low fluid.

[ChevyTech77]

I have a '99 Silverado 1500 with a bad front output bearing in the transfercase. This is the third time it has failed. Can the bearing be replaced without opening the transfercase? Is this a common problem or is there somthing in particular that could cause it to fail? The fuild level is OK, it is not due to low fluid.

 

Nope, the case has to come apart.

 

Front driveshaft have a bad u-joint? I've never seen one of these bearings fail, myself.

[BrockwayMT]

Something's not right. Those bearings shouldn't fail very often. They are only loaded in when in 4wd and are always submerged in oil. Is it the ball bearing in the front or the needle bearing in the rear that is failing?

 

I'd say there is an alignment problem or a surface finish problem. It could be a rough or out of round condition on the wear ring the rear needle bearing rides on. Or it could be an alignment problem with the case bores for the bearings. Or the rear needle bearing is being installed way crooked. Or the rear needle is being pressed in too shallow and allowing to shaft to grind on the cup creating debris. I'm just brainstorming ideas here.

 

There should not be any driveline problems since those trucks have IFS so there is no jounce effect on the front prop shaft. I suppose a front prop that was too long could cause these problems but you would be able to get a too long shaft installed. Not unless you installed the front prop first and then mounted the tc on the trans.