Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:

Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
Not at all related to RPM
more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under deceleration (engine braking)
gone when coasting with clutch depressed

I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is also fine.
I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?

So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they want to sell me?

Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99 XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other crap mention/pictured in the FSM.


--
--
Joe Pribe
NC
jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
jegp 'at' hotmail.com
---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ

Re: Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

Noise equals damage.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

> Joseph P wrote:
>
> Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one
> hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts
> coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks
> down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:
>
> Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
> Not at all related to RPM
> more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under
> deceleration (engine braking)
> gone when coasting with clutch depressed
>
> I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I
> would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
> Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with
> me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is
> also fine.
> I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise
> is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my
> buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on
> jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make
> me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a
> listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the
> rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?
>
> So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna
> cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they
> want to sell me?
>
> Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do
> myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99
> XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have
> Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other
> crap mention/pictured in the FSM.
>
>
> --
> --
> Joe Pribe
> NC
> jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
> jegp 'at' hotmail.com
> ---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ

Re: Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

Noise equals damage.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

> Joseph P wrote:
>
> Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one
> hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts
> coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks
> down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:
>
> Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
> Not at all related to RPM
> more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under
> deceleration (engine braking)
> gone when coasting with clutch depressed
>
> I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I
> would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
> Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with
> me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is
> also fine.
> I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise
> is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my
> buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on
> jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make
> me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a
> listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the
> rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?
>
> So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna
> cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they
> want to sell me?
>
> Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do
> myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99
> XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have
> Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other
> crap mention/pictured in the FSM.
>
>
> --
> --
> Joe Pribe
> NC
> jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
> jegp 'at' hotmail.com
> ---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ

Re: Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

Noise equals damage.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

> Joseph P wrote:
>
> Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one
> hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts
> coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks
> down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:
>
> Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
> Not at all related to RPM
> more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under
> deceleration (engine braking)
> gone when coasting with clutch depressed
>
> I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I
> would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
> Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with
> me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is
> also fine.
> I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise
> is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my
> buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on
> jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make
> me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a
> listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the
> rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?
>
> So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna
> cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they
> want to sell me?
>
> Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do
> myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99
> XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have
> Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other
> crap mention/pictured in the FSM.
>
>
> --
> --
> Joe Pribe
> NC
> jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
> jegp 'at' hotmail.com
> ---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ

Re: Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

Noise equals damage.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

> Joseph P wrote:
>
> Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one
> hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts
> coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks
> down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:
>
> Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
> Not at all related to RPM
> more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under
> deceleration (engine braking)
> gone when coasting with clutch depressed
>
> I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I
> would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
> Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with
> me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is
> also fine.
> I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise
> is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my
> buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on
> jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make
> me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a
> listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the
> rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?
>
> So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna
> cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they
> want to sell me?
>
> Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do
> myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99
> XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have
> Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other
> crap mention/pictured in the FSM.
>
>
> --
> --
> Joe Pribe
> NC
> jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
> jegp 'at' hotmail.com
> ---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ

Re: Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

I really enjoyed reading your post, Joe, that is some funny ----. Yep,
pinion bearings are gonna be toast, and you may as well plan on replacing
the carrier bearings, as well. I don't know how handy you are with this
sort of thing, but replacing bearings isn't too tough. If you put the shims
back in where you found them, you don't need to concern yourself with
setting it back up. You can do this if you are so-inclined and not afraid
to learn something new. You may have to get "creative" when pressing the
bearings off the carrier and pinion shaft, but it has been done in the
backyard.

Jerry


"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:40A860B9.13EF9A7A@cox.net...
> Noise equals damage.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> > Joseph P wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one
> > hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts
> > coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks
> > down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:
> >
> > Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
> > Not at all related to RPM
> > more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under
> > deceleration (engine braking)
> > gone when coasting with clutch depressed
> >
> > I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I
> > would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
> > Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with
> > me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is
> > also fine.
> > I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise
> > is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my
> > buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on
> > jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make
> > me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a
> > listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the
> > rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?
> >
> > So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna
> > cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they
> > want to sell me?
> >
> > Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do
> > myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99
> > XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have
> > Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other
> > crap mention/pictured in the FSM.
> >
> >
> > --
> > --
> > Joe Pribe
> > NC
> > jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
> > jegp 'at' hotmail.com
> > ---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ

Re: Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

I really enjoyed reading your post, Joe, that is some funny ----. Yep,
pinion bearings are gonna be toast, and you may as well plan on replacing
the carrier bearings, as well. I don't know how handy you are with this
sort of thing, but replacing bearings isn't too tough. If you put the shims
back in where you found them, you don't need to concern yourself with
setting it back up. You can do this if you are so-inclined and not afraid
to learn something new. You may have to get "creative" when pressing the
bearings off the carrier and pinion shaft, but it has been done in the
backyard.

Jerry


"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:40A860B9.13EF9A7A@cox.net...
> Noise equals damage.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> > Joseph P wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one
> > hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts
> > coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks
> > down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:
> >
> > Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
> > Not at all related to RPM
> > more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under
> > deceleration (engine braking)
> > gone when coasting with clutch depressed
> >
> > I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I
> > would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
> > Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with
> > me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is
> > also fine.
> > I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise
> > is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my
> > buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on
> > jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make
> > me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a
> > listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the
> > rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?
> >
> > So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna
> > cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they
> > want to sell me?
> >
> > Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do
> > myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99
> > XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have
> > Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other
> > crap mention/pictured in the FSM.
> >
> >
> > --
> > --
> > Joe Pribe
> > NC
> > jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
> > jegp 'at' hotmail.com
> > ---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ

Re: Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

I really enjoyed reading your post, Joe, that is some funny ----. Yep,
pinion bearings are gonna be toast, and you may as well plan on replacing
the carrier bearings, as well. I don't know how handy you are with this
sort of thing, but replacing bearings isn't too tough. If you put the shims
back in where you found them, you don't need to concern yourself with
setting it back up. You can do this if you are so-inclined and not afraid
to learn something new. You may have to get "creative" when pressing the
bearings off the carrier and pinion shaft, but it has been done in the
backyard.

Jerry


"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:40A860B9.13EF9A7A@cox.net...
> Noise equals damage.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> > Joseph P wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one
> > hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts
> > coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks
> > down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:
> >
> > Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
> > Not at all related to RPM
> > more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under
> > deceleration (engine braking)
> > gone when coasting with clutch depressed
> >
> > I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I
> > would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
> > Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with
> > me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is
> > also fine.
> > I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise
> > is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my
> > buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on
> > jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make
> > me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a
> > listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the
> > rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?
> >
> > So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna
> > cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they
> > want to sell me?
> >
> > Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do
> > myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99
> > XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have
> > Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other
> > crap mention/pictured in the FSM.
> >
> >
> > --
> > --
> > Joe Pribe
> > NC
> > jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
> > jegp 'at' hotmail.com
> > ---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ

Re: Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

I really enjoyed reading your post, Joe, that is some funny ----. Yep,
pinion bearings are gonna be toast, and you may as well plan on replacing
the carrier bearings, as well. I don't know how handy you are with this
sort of thing, but replacing bearings isn't too tough. If you put the shims
back in where you found them, you don't need to concern yourself with
setting it back up. You can do this if you are so-inclined and not afraid
to learn something new. You may have to get "creative" when pressing the
bearings off the carrier and pinion shaft, but it has been done in the
backyard.

Jerry


"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:40A860B9.13EF9A7A@cox.net...
> Noise equals damage.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> > Joseph P wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one
> > hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts
> > coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks
> > down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:
> >
> > Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
> > Not at all related to RPM
> > more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under
> > deceleration (engine braking)
> > gone when coasting with clutch depressed
> >
> > I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I
> > would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
> > Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with
> > me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is
> > also fine.
> > I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise
> > is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my
> > buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on
> > jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make
> > me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a
> > listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the
> > rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?
> >
> > So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna
> > cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they
> > want to sell me?
> >
> > Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do
> > myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99
> > XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have
> > Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other
> > crap mention/pictured in the FSM.
> >
> >
> > --
> > --
> > Joe Pribe
> > NC
> > jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
> > jegp 'at' hotmail.com
> > ---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ

Re: Pinion Gear Bearings...
 

If you take Jerry's suggestion, be sure to blue it:
http://www.drivetrain.com/ringpinioninstal.html But you'll find the ring
and pinion to be history, too.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

> Joseph P wrote:
>
> Ok, so there I was, driving down the highway, Jack on the rocks in one
> hand, Jim in the other, when this weird grind/growl/*noise* starts
> coming from my Jeep....I listen intently (after setting my drinks
> down, of course) and first impression is driveline....here we go:
>
> Faster vehicle speed = higher pitch
> Not at all related to RPM
> more noticeable under load (acceleration), slightly noticeable under
> deceleration (engine braking)
> gone when coasting with clutch depressed
>
> I had recently notices oil coming from the rear diff, so I thought I
> would check that...crap came out the hole so it was fine.
> Transmission seemed a little warm, but didn't have a 15/16 socket with
> me, let alone a ratchet, but today I checked and the fluid level is
> also fine.
> I have just replaced both the rear diff and tranny fluid today. Noise
> is slightly less bothersome. Ok, not really. So, I go over to my
> buds, we toss her in the air and let it idle in 3rd gear on
> jackstands.....definitely the rear diff. Break out the chopsaw, make
> me a stethoscope (read: 1/2 inch round solid steel.) So I take a
> listen, right...*way* worse at the forward end of the diff than the
> rear, so it must be pinion bearings, right?
>
> So, I could prolly use a complete rebuild anyway, what is it gonna
> cost me...D35C on a 98 TJ with 69k miles. Or, who has a D44 rear they
> want to sell me?
>
> Also, though I really don't think so, is this something I want to do
> myself? Glancing through the axle section in the FSM for my girl's 99
> XJ, it looks like a real PITA...not to mention, although I do have
> Jeep special tool #1 (BFH,) I sure as hell don't have all the other
> crap mention/pictured in the FSM.
>
>
> --
> --
> Joe Pribe
> NC
> jpribe 'at' nc.rr.com
> jegp 'at' hotmail.com
> ---- I Love My O|||||||O TJ