Pinion Bearing

[Volucris]

About 2,000 miles ago I had the rear diff fluid changed.  Immediately after that I started hearing a whirring noise coming from the rear end.  Turns out it is the pinion bearing slowly going bad.

 

One shop wants to change the pinion bearing, another shop recommended I change the pinion bearing, carrier bearing, and the wheel bearings since they are probably worn as well, from bits of worn bearing circulating around in the differential fluid.  There are metal shavings circulating around in the differential all the time, so I'm not to worried about that, just he mileage. 

 

What do you guys think?  Change them all or just the pinion.  Just the pinion is around $700.  Changing them all is around $1,100 or $1,200.  both of theses shops have pretty good reputations. 

 

It is a 2007 Classic with 127,000 miles on it.  A little towing of a 3,000 lb trailer.  Some difficult 4WD roads.  But mostly just driving around, city and highway.  4.8L, 3.73:1 gears. 

[swathdiver]

If it were mine and money was not an issue, a complete overhaul.  The wheel bearings though I would not change if they and the axle shafts were fine.  

[Volucris]

Why not change the wheel bearings?  Never a problem?

[Mike GMC]

Change all the bearings.  If you do one bearing for 700, and another goes soon, it will be another 700 and so on.  Do them all and it cost 1200 and you done.  I would even consider a new set of gears and maybe even a new diff, particularly if it's a G80. If the gears look perfect mad still have lash in factory spec, you can skip those.  

[kstruckcountry]

My vote is change all of them. The price sounds a bit high, though, but that might depend on location.

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[carnau]

2 hours ago, kstruckcountry said:

My vote is change all of them. The price sounds a bit high, though, but that might depend on location.

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I was going to say the same thing. As far as the cost. I did an estimate on our system and this is it. Now we are a dealership and our labor rate is $92hr.

But if you wanted to get it cheaper. I would ask them what there labor rate is and bring your own parts.

Pinion bearing inner - $42 - http://amzn.to/2DiVc4o

Pinion bearing outer - $47 - http://amzn.to/2DitPI0

Pinion bearing seal - $24 - http://amzn.to/2D31amP

Pinion spacer - $5 - http://amzn.to/2D4lrs1

Carrier bearings - $10 each (20) - http://amzn.to/2FzVjHj (these are GM bearings for $10!!!! LOL)

Wheel bearings - $32 each (64) - http://amzn.to/2D1JJTx

Wheel seals - $10 each (20) - http://amzn.to/2DwVGBQ

 

GM Parts Prices from Amazon - $222

And if they charged $100 per hour at 6 hours $600

And that would be $822 Plus tax with GM bearings (which I believe are the best bearings lol)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Volucris]

Thanks for the input.  I really appreciate it.  Especially the estimate Carnau/Chris.  Sweet!

 

It's not a G80.  Just your standard 3.73 open differential.  Changed the fluid at 50K and again at 125K.  Not sure why the pinion failed.

 

V

 

 

[Mike GMC]

Sometimes it just happens.  You can do all the proper maintenance and still have issues.  Now might be a great time to add a limited slip like a Detroit true track.