We have a 99 durango that has had a rear pinion bearing whine for quite some time. The whine is not load sensitive (same whether on the gas or off). It does appear to be getting louder. I have not yet opened up the diff cover to see what is going on. Could there be more damage in there such as the ring and pinion gears. While I'm working on the rear end what else should I be lookingfor that is a common issue for durango's with 95,000 miles. Would It be beneficial for me to drop the rearaxle out and go through the whole thing on the bench and then have a mechanic set the gears for me or just give them the vehicle and just have it done. Also the brake abs lights stay on and the abs does not work. I think it is the controller because there is no speedo probs but I have read that the speed sensor could still be the issue. Could there be a connection that the pinion bearing could mess up the sensor (over heat it etc.)

Thanks
John

 

99RK:

If you feel comfortable doing this level of work, it would be good to at least pull the cover and see what you have inside. This should give you a good view of things.One thing certain is the longer you wait, the more expensive the repair will be. If you are only out bearings so far, that is not too bad. Eventually though, the ring/pinion can be damaged by the metal pieces that will be floating around.

Re the ABS light. It is common in cases like this for the metal shavings to adhere to the sensor causing the light. You may be able to just clean the sensor off. They are not too pricey (around $35).

The bearings at the ends of the axle tubes are not too hard to replace, but pinion and carrier bearings are another story.

If you wait too long, the repair can easily exceed $1k.

Don

 

n8ech

Thank you for your reply. The metal shaving idea on the sensor is a good point.I have donealot of my own automotive repairs over the years. Iown a complete CNC machine shop (www.kjprecision.com) so I am very familiar with indicators and measurements.I can build any kind of gear puller or pressing tool needed. I am going to attemptit this weekend and if I get in over my head I will pull the axle and give it to someone to set the gears. The trickiest part is setting the backlash correct?? I would at least like to attempt it. Saving the labor $$ is part of it but I also enjoy the challenge and doing my own wrenching.
Thanks
John

 

After the last response I have done more research. It seams the most critical parts are to set the gear contact pattern (adjusting the pinion gear depth) and the backlash?? If these are done correct there shouldn't be any problems. I have priced the bearings and seals from my dealer and also from Napa, the dealer is nearlyTRIPLE the cost!!! The crush tube is a dealer item only so I will have to get that from them. Any issues using Napa parts versus oem???
Thanks John

 

John:

Sounds to me like you are well equipped tool wise, and that your experience with indicators and measurements will serve you well.
I say, go for it!!!!!

Speaking from the viewpoint of someone who would not feel qualified to tackle that job, it sounds to me like you can Git er done.

Don

 

I like NAPA. They do a lot of shops. But, I think there are better out there. The first thing I would do is pull it apart. I'm thinking it's just the bearings and theirs are fine.

Did the limited slip additive get put in by chance?

 

No limited slip additive has ever been put in. I am embarrased to say, but it has 95k and no maintenance has everbeen done on the rear end. The first thing I'm goning do is get it in my shop this morningand pull the diff coverto see whats going on. Drain the oil into aclean container for inspection. Then pull the driveshaft and look for any obvious bearing play. As far as Napa vs Dealer I will find out what bearing manufacturer each use and go from there. As long as the Napa bearings are from a reputable manufacturer such as TimkenI should be OK???
Thanks
John

 

I took my rear end apart and found that one of the clutch pack clips for the limited sliphad broken and drifted out and wore a small groove in the diff bearing cap. I think it's the small metal fragments that took out my rear pinion bearing. It has caused no other damage,I foundthe piece of the clip stuck to the magnet at the bottomof the diff housing.Iremoved therest ofitso it would not rub on the bearing cap anymore.Ishowed this to a mechanic and he says it will be fine without theclip. I have replaced the pinion bearings and now I'm ready to put it back together. Itseams to be a common problem.
John

 

I haven't heared this one before.

I would replace the clip. If I do things I like to do them right. My opinion.

 

Actually, after further web searching I found this to be a VERY commonproblem and Dodge seams to just ignore it. Unless there are other issues with your rear end, most don't even know they are broke. And it seams that most rear end services don't remove the diff cover to change oil (they suckthe oilout) and you will never know there is a problem till the cover is removed or there are other problems. Here is a link to a thread from another forum.
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/prin...e=1&pp=20m.
John