When i was done work the other day i noticed a puddle of oil under the rear axle so i inspected a bit there was still lots in the differential and i figured it was just the seal. So i head home and as im backing in the driveway i feel some resistance on the passenger side wheel and hear some noise so i immediately stop where it is and then tonight i got the opportunity to pull the cover off and inspect it, my pinion nut is definitely loose and there is some tooth damage to the carrier. I am wondering where to go from here

 

Wasn't there a recall for loose pinion nut??? Might wanna check into that.

I am not really seeing any damage in your pics...... Could you get a better angle, showing the damage?

 

Yes there was a recall lol I’ve already called my local dealership they said that they had nothing showing up i may call another dealership and see what they say as well. The only damage that i can see would be superficial if you ask me its only some teeth marks on the carrier from the pinion riding on it. So im wondering if i should just retighten the nut with some loctite on it and be done with it, or do i have to replace crush sleeve?

 

Good question about the crush sleeve. As I think you already know, that tightening the pinion nut, crushes the sleeve, and that is what sets the 'backlash' on the gearset. A friend replaced his rear axle input seal and then tightened the nut superman tight. Shortly after that, the rear end locked up from the gears being in a bind.

I see the wear on the ring gear. Is there a lot of metal in the bottom of the pumpkin cavity?

Year, make, model, engine, and mileage...

 

Oh wow, I just now see where the pinion was chewing away at the carrier in the center...
Can you get an in focus picture of the pinion gear? It looks like it is chingered up pretty good

 

i can get a photo for you tomorrow for sure i was busy with some other things today! I didn’t think it looked too bad surprisingly and there really wasn’t much metal in the bottom when i was draining the oil i was also feeling for chunks or slivers and only got one small sliver

 

its a 2006 ram 1500 with the 5.7
3.92 open diff

 

Yes there is a recall on that. I had it done along with the airbag one. Don’t call the dealer they will try to get out of it. Check here at this link

https://www.mopar.com/dodge/en-us/my...alls/faqs.html

 

i clicked on the link and entered my vin all that came up was the driver and passenger airbags are pending and it showed that the passenger seat belt recall was completed im not sure if there is something i am missing or its not available for my truck any help is greatly appreciated if i can get it done under a recall then id really rather that

 

If it isn't showing up, then, it's already been done, or, the recall didn't apply to your truck. (it likely should have though....) Don't expect anything from the local dealers.... they will want to rebuild the whole thing, for thousands of dollars. If your pinion gear is marfed beyond using, replacing the entire diff with a used unit is actually a better/cheaper plan.