Pinion seal/bearing ?

[elk_hunter]

I have a humming noise while i'm driving from the back end of truck. I first check the fluid in the diff. it was low, so I added some. Well it still is humming every now and then. mostly when i first drive int he morning when it's cold.

 

So the next thing is probably the Pinion seal/bearing in the read diff. how hard is this to replace/fix? If I have it done somewhere else how much will it cost?

 

I'd like to due it myself, but when temsp in the low 20's each day and about 4/5 inches of snow would be a cold/wet process to due in my driveway.

 

My truck is a 99 Gmc Sierra ext cab witt he 4.8, 2WD,

 

 

Thanks for the info in advance!!!

[sjspor]

Elk, is your noise sort of like a ringing moan at certain speeds when its cold?? And only when the trucks is cold. Mine did that at like 25 MPH, but only on the cold mornings.

 

It may be your center carrier bearing.

[Riddell]

I have the same humming sound on my 2000 Sierra (xtracab), goes away after a while of driving...but you can really hear it a low speeds when its cold! i was thinking wheel bearings??? but ill check my carrier bearing!

[Black02Silverado]

It isn't to bad of a process but would not do it in those conditions. I have not worked on the G80's but on the chevy 12 bolt you have to install a crush sleeve when you replace the pinion bearing, that is if that is the problem. That crush sleeve is a royal pain to crush down to the right torque, at least mine was and I had a half inch drive air gun to run it down to that point. If you don't have that it will take a ton of muscle and a long extension. So you will want to be comfortable and not fighting the elements.

 

Is there a reputable shop in the area that will look at it for you? Here in the back woods towns of NC there is one shop that is family owned and does really good work. They will take a look at anything and let you know what is wrong and not charge you. Heck they told me my front bearing was going out on my 93 Sonoma and told me how to fix it and where to get the parts at a great price. Hopefully you might live close to a buisness like that.

 

Have you pulled the cover and looked inside? Just was wondering if there was a good bit of metal on the magnet.

 

Sorry I couldn't help.

 

Keep us posted on what you find out.

[chevroletmb]

shouldn't cost you more than an hour's labour and the seal is about 20-30 bucks