Rear Differential Bearing Failures

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j4351cn
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Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by j4351cn » Mon Nov 29, 2010 9:36 pm

Looking for feedback on rear differential bearing failures on a 2001. I have a std rear end and am on my 4th set of bearings in 106,000 miles. GM denies everything and places responsibility on incorrect installation at the dealer. Need some help on ideas to solve the problem.

Jeff Nash
#2001-468

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Scott Chab
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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by Scott Chab » Mon Nov 29, 2010 9:51 pm

What does the dealer say? How is GM blaming the dealer? Have they had someone look at it?
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brent barker
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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by brent barker » Mon Nov 29, 2010 10:20 pm

yeah that sucks dude. The whole finger pointing circle jerk thing is not solving your problem. The installer was a GM lot? Is there any other issues toward the front of the car on the drive line? Im sure you have been over it hundreds, and are scratching your head. I had to replace 1 6 month ago...but they pointed at agressive driving. what ever, the unfortunate thing is the whole stock rear ends of these cars are not cracked up to be, what they are suppose to be. Check the bearing to be the correct one, check other frontal possible issues, and perhaps take it to another mechanic for a second opinion. Best of luck

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96AZHAWK
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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by 96AZHAWK » Tue Nov 30, 2010 9:46 pm

Which bearings? Six speed cars are rough on the pinion bearing... other than that no other real typical problems.

j4351cn
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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by j4351cn » Tue Nov 30, 2010 9:57 pm

96AZHAWK wrote:Which bearings? Six speed cars are rough on the pinion bearing... other than that no other real typical problems.
The side bearings go first. No problem with the wheel bearings. I didn't let it go far enough on sets #3 & 4 to tear up the pinion bearing. However you could see the excessive wear & tear. However #2 actually took out the pinion bearing too.

j4351cn
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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by j4351cn » Tue Nov 30, 2010 10:06 pm

Scott Chab wrote:What does the dealer say? How is GM blaming the dealer? Have they had someone look at it?
GM has not sent anyone to inspect the damage each time. Their contention is that the dealer(s) did not maintain detailed measurements of the installations to the 0.001. Therefore the dealer(s) could not "prove" the actual pre-loading. I know they have followed GM specifications carefully. I've watched the last 2 sets installed. And they are using the specified lubrication. The only thing I have not done is to keep fresh lubricant installed every 12- 15 K miles. Maybe that will help.

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BLACK-HAWK
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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by BLACK-HAWK » Wed Dec 01, 2010 12:49 am

backlash set to tight or not tight enough? not properly broken in? consistent wrong part # ? bad/old gear oil? with regular scheduled gear oil/ fluid changes the motor/ rear end should last for over 100k even with playing a little hard on a bone stock motor. not enough power to break the rear end in conjunction with known tire spin. what state are you in?
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BLACK-HAWK
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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by BLACK-HAWK » Wed Dec 01, 2010 12:18 pm

2001#194 (Unicorn)

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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by BLACK-HAWK » Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:41 pm

2001#194 (Unicorn)

artnjeanann
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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by artnjeanann » Thu Mar 29, 2012 12:02 pm

i have a 1999 with auburn rear and had to have all bearings replaced at 50,000. The axel bearings also were starting to howl. An had to replace them with special bearings that roll on a different spot on the axels. At 63,000 i'm starting to hear axel howl again. Are all axels the same length? I will probably have to replace them next. Is there a higher quality axel from aftermarket? This is a six speed car with synthetic oil.

PontiacFan
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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by PontiacFan » Thu Mar 29, 2012 12:18 pm

artnjeanann wrote:This is a six speed car with synthetic oil.
Not sure what yo mean by that, but you are not supposed to use synthetics in the Auburn.
That is noted in the owner's manual & care for the Auburn differential option.

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Re: Rear Differential Bearing Failures

Post by lakeratiam » Fri Mar 30, 2012 3:16 pm

I think Blackhawk may be onto something here..............I went thru the same thing with my 96 Yukon a few years ago. GM and the dealer were in a pissing match over it 4 different times. I got tired of the truck being in the shop so I took matters in my own hands, bought a complete rear end from a salvage yard, Swapped it in my self, checked the gear lash, inspected the bearings, put in fresh seals and fluid and drove it for another 106,000 with out any more rear end problems before I sold it.
I'm EVERYWHERE Dragan! :lol:

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