How to replace rear pinion? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tjvending · 01-31-2008, 02:20 AM

What steps are invloved in replacing the rear pinion? Mine is loose and I have a loud winding noise when I get over 30 MPH. When I let off of the gas the noise goes away. TJ

Psycho71 · 01-31-2008, 02:33 AM

You could try just tightening the nut back up, and see what happens. And blue locktite is your friend on that nut.

Or, you could get a new crush sleeve and replace it. Just to see if you can get the wear pattern back where it should be. Again, blue locktite on the nut.

On both of the above fixes, I'd pull the cover, clean up the gears w/brake cleaner, get some marking compound, and check the wear pattern.

If it's been that way for a while, it could have messed up the ring gear, pinion, or both which will require completely rebuilding the differential. Not to mention the potential damage to bearings if it's been that way long. Again, pulling the cover and looking will point you in the right direction.

That's the order I'd address it in. Although I'd never really feel comfortable unless I knew for a fact that everything was right. I'm no pro at rear ends. But they are not as complex as some would lead you to believe. With the proper information, a few special tools, and enough patience, you can completely rebuild it yourself. If it comes to that.

If that's not something your comfortable with, start calling shops and see what they charge.

Hope this helps. Someone else may chime in here with better suggestions. But those are mine.

Jay

Mudder · 01-31-2008, 02:50 AM

Good call Jay.

tjvending · 01-31-2008, 05:37 AM

How hard is it to replace the crush sleeve?

Wasted Income · 01-31-2008, 05:42 AM

Almost impossible.

In the 5-6 rear axles that I've rebuilt, I've always re-used the old crush sleeve (with great results).

It's a mutha#$% to get that sleeve to crush...even with the bad mo-fo Snap-On cordless impact...AND a 6 foot cheater bar.

tjvending · 02-01-2008, 02:15 AM

On tighten of the nut, what size is it? Do I have to used a certain type tool to tighten up?

Psycho71 · 02-01-2008, 03:02 AM

If I remember correctly, it's a 1 1/8" socket.

If you just re-tighten the nut, you won't be able to tell if it's actually too tight, or not tight enough.

When I did mine, it was out of the truck, and no carrier installed. The instructions I had were to tighten the crush sleeve until it took 12 INCH lbs of torque to turn the pinion. Then install the carrier. And yes, it was a MF'er to get the sleeve to crush w/a 1/2" breaker bar, and a cheater pipe.

So your just going to be flying by the seat of your pants on this deal. I'm sure it can be done though. Just don't under do it, or over do it. I'd think "german tight" would work.

Don't forget the locktite!

How's that for advice?

ryan913 · 02-01-2008, 03:29 AM

Yeah you have to use a torque multiplier to crush the sleeve. They are bad! lol

01-31-2008, 02:20 AM	#1
tjvending Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: rockville, md Posts: 257	How to replace rear pinion? What steps are invloved in replacing the rear pinion? Mine is loose and I have a loud winding noise when I get over 30 MPH. When I let off of the gas the noise goes away. TJ

01-31-2008, 02:33 AM	#2
Psycho71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kaufman, Tx Posts: 827	Re: How to replace rear pinion? You could try just tightening the nut back up, and see what happens. And blue locktite is your friend on that nut. Or, you could get a new crush sleeve and replace it. Just to see if you can get the wear pattern back where it should be. Again, blue locktite on the nut. On both of the above fixes, I'd pull the cover, clean up the gears w/brake cleaner, get some marking compound, and check the wear pattern. If it's been that way for a while, it could have messed up the ring gear, pinion, or both which will require completely rebuilding the differential. Not to mention the potential damage to bearings if it's been that way long. Again, pulling the cover and looking will point you in the right direction. That's the order I'd address it in. Although I'd never really feel comfortable unless I knew for a fact that everything was right. I'm no pro at rear ends. But they are not as complex as some would lead you to believe. With the proper information, a few special tools, and enough patience, you can completely rebuild it yourself. If it comes to that. If that's not something your comfortable with, start calling shops and see what they charge. Hope this helps. Someone else may chime in here with better suggestions. But those are mine. Jay __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If a hammer doesn't fix it, you have an electrical problem! Slot Cars, 1:24 Scale, 100MPH@100,000RPM, fastest things on wheels! Last edited by Psycho71; 01-31-2008 at 02:35 AM.

01-31-2008, 02:50 AM	#3
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: How to replace rear pinion? Good call Jay.

01-31-2008, 05:37 AM	#4
tjvending Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: rockville, md Posts: 257	Re: How to replace rear pinion? How hard is it to replace the crush sleeve?

01-31-2008, 05:42 AM	#5
Wasted Income Boosted Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Mackinaw, IL Posts: 2,200	Re: How to replace rear pinion? Almost impossible. In the 5-6 rear axles that I've rebuilt, I've always re-used the old crush sleeve (with great results). It's a mutha#$% to get that sleeve to crush...even with the bad mo-fo Snap-On cordless impact...AND a 6 foot cheater bar. __________________ 1972 2wd K/5 Blazer Turbocharged 370 LSx - 941 rwhp / 1093 rwtq 1969 Chevy K-10 L33 5.3 / 4L80E / NP241 / 4" lift 1964 Buick Skylark Twin TURBO 383 LS pro-touring project 2014 VW Passat TDI - Daily Driver Turbo diesel 2015 Sierra Denali HD Duramax Turbo diesel 2023 Ford Explorer ST - Twin Turbskis 2023 Ford F150 RCSB - Whipple Supercharged 2017 Polaris RZR Turbo 2014 Nor-Tech Center Console - Twin Supercharged Outboards *TURBO ALL THE THINGS!!*

02-01-2008, 02:15 AM	#6
tjvending Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: rockville, md Posts: 257	Re: How to replace rear pinion? On tighten of the nut, what size is it? Do I have to used a certain type tool to tighten up?

02-01-2008, 03:02 AM	#7
Psycho71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kaufman, Tx Posts: 827	Re: How to replace rear pinion? If I remember correctly, it's a 1 1/8" socket. If you just re-tighten the nut, you won't be able to tell if it's actually too tight, or not tight enough. When I did mine, it was out of the truck, and no carrier installed. The instructions I had were to tighten the crush sleeve until it took 12 INCH lbs of torque to turn the pinion. Then install the carrier. And yes, it was a MF'er to get the sleeve to crush w/a 1/2" breaker bar, and a cheater pipe. So your just going to be flying by the seat of your pants on this deal. I'm sure it can be done though. Just don't under do it, or over do it. I'd think "german tight" would work. Don't forget the locktite! How's that for advice? __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If a hammer doesn't fix it, you have an electrical problem! Slot Cars, 1:24 Scale, 100MPH@100,000RPM, fastest things on wheels! Last edited by Psycho71; 02-01-2008 at 03:10 AM.

02-01-2008, 03:29 AM	#8
ryan913 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: kenton, oh Posts: 183	Re: How to replace rear pinion? Yeah you have to use a torque multiplier to crush the sleeve. They are bad! lol

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