Xlr8tin
Active Member
Is the whine constant? Does it change when you let off the gas? It could be a bearing or the gears themselves.
I know it sounds weird, but I would call around to some heavy duty, like 18 wheeler places that specialize in driveshafts and gears. Those guys can do anything. Unless it's under warranty, then go to dealer.
Installing new gears is not a rookie DIY type job unfortunately. I've done a bunch, it requires special tools and there are 100 ways to do it wrong, and 1 way to do it right.
After watching a few videos, although they make it looks easy I don't think it will be something I can do after all since many tools I don't have right now would make my life miserable.
I am dealing with this on a local guys truck. In the case of his truck the input side bearing has play. To me that means full rebuild and here is why: If one bearing has play that means that hardened bearing material has probably gone through every other bearing in the axle, the metal plug works pretty good but it isn't perfect. If you're going to tear into the axle for inspection you can have the other bearings checked, but I would plan on all the bearings and seals at a minimum. Ring and pinion should also be inspected, the tolerances will have to be checked and set when new bearings are put in so a little wear isn't a huge deal.
The good news is any 4x4, truck or axle shop can do this job for you no problem. The 9.75 in these is very common and most shops will have experience with it, it's also simple.
This seems to be more of a problem with the supercharged trucks. More power=more maintenance. Let it go to long and you will probably break the R&P due to slop being introduced.
Yea that makes sense. The ****** part is it has to be up on a lift and cover taken off just to find out. That right there commits me to that shop since it has to be resealed and fluid filled just to drive it away. It will take 3 weeks to get to that point around here with the lack of shops that can do it...So not being able to do it myself is really ******** me on this. I have to drive it. I have zero option so by the time it is in the air it should be thoroughly broken
check sdhq they sell nitro gears and install kits. if its a constant whine/whirl then its a bearing. if its a clunk then its a broken gear. how many miles are on the truck?
if its a constant whine/whirl you can still drive it but its going to get even louder and continue to do damage to other parts.
if its a clunk/grinding then its gears.
you can do a rebuild kit which contains bearing seals, bolts, and so on but best bet is going to be new ring and pinon too as the installer will be able to set the rear end up based on new specs not worn specs. biggest thing is make sure you take it to a known good rear end shop. a run of the mill service center that doesn't get the backspacing right. or just uses the old shims and a new crush sleeve will leave you with a still noisy rear end.
i could go on and on.. let me know if yo have questions.
It's a constant whine at cruising speeds with the gas on. Letting off the gas seems to quiet it a bit. Like I said above, I have to drive it until I can get it fixed. I'm hoping it is just bearing and seals and that a rebuild kit will fix it. I'll have to wait at least 3 weeks just to get it looked at.
A high pitched whine noise is typically pinion bearing failure. A rear axle rebuild is not a DIY unless you have extensive experience and the required tools. Setting the pinion depth, preload, backlash, and side bearing preload all require precision, and even with everything in spec you still need to verify contact pattern.
If only the pinion bearings have failed, any decent shop should be able to repair it properly. If the ring and pinion are damaged, you will want to find a shop that specializes in driveline/differential repair. Note that many aftermarket R&P sets do not match OE quality and can be noisy even when properly set up.
As of right now I am set to have it at a transmission shop. I wish I had better resources to find a shop that specializes in just this, but I don't think that is possible. I've been doing all the work myself on my truck until now so finding a specialized mechanic hasn't been a need yet. There's no way it's going to the dealer since they told me 3-4 months