need some info

bassdog · February 2, 2002

I've been after my mechanic to get me a price to replace inner axle bearings, both sides. The most I could get from him was that the bearings are cheap (Yeah!).

Anyone know how labor intensive this project is? What needs to be done? Should I have Chevy do it? Need to get this done before fishing season starts!!! Plus I can't stand the noise any more ???

Thanks

gmonkey · February 3, 2002

1. The rear end cover needs to be removed.

2. The C-clips retaining the axles need to be removed.

3. Remove rear axles.

4. Remove old seals with sliding hammer or prybar.

5. Remove bearings with sliding hammer and bearing puller attachment.

6. Install new bearings and seals.

7. Replace axles and C-clips.

8. Replace rear end cover and refill.

Fairly labor-intensive but if you have basic hand tools you can do it yourself, you may have to borrow or rent a sliding hammer to remove the inner axle bearings.

If I am not mistaken the 94's have drum brakes so you don't have to worry about removing any rear calipers.

bassdog · February 4, 2002

Hey gmonkey,

Thanks for the info. Sorry, I should have mentioned it was the front bearings that need to be replaced. I have a bad hum around 45 - 50 mph and the hub bearings have already been replaced.

95 Silverado · February 8, 2002

How many miles are on your truck. I purchased mine last summer with 158,000 on it and noticed a noise in the front end similar to what you describe. It wasn't the inner bearings. hold on to the axle cv joint flange at the front differential and see how much you can move the flange up & down, mine had a lot more movement on the left side than the right. the differential cage had worn where the axle gear turns in it and was allowing the axle to move up and down. after removing the front differential, replacing the cage assembly, checking everything over and installing new seals, it works great now. It didn't cost alot but I did it all myself.

bassdog · February 9, 2002

It's a 94 with 122,000. How much did the cage cost and where can I get one? The only reason I think it's the inner bearings is my cousins Blazer has the same problem. The tech told him it was the inners.

I know the front end has to come apart anyway, I may just replace the cage and the bearings while I'm there.

95 Silverado · February 9, 2002

the cage can be purchased separately from GM (approx. $150- $200) I bought a whole differential from a wrecked low mileage truck with a broken case and used the parts I needed ($200 and I got a spare ring & pinion and other parts) The cage alone would have fixed mine, the gears were not worn, but you won't really know till you tear it apart. the average price for a used front differential is $400-$600 and then you don't really know what you're getting.