another year another problem. a year and a half ago the rear axle bearing and seals were replaced for noise. most of the noise was solved, not all. then the pinion seal started to leak, replaced it and found the ujoint was bad, replaced and quiet again.

now the noise is back. pulled axles and found both badly worn at the bearings. replaced the bearings with repair bearing sleeves. now a different noise. after driving a short distance when I touch the differential housing, in the area of the pinion bearing i feel heat, i aslo feel heat ,but not as much where the right carrier bearing is located. i feel no free play at the u joint.

I found an axle assymbly out of a 96 blazer with the same GU6 3.42 axle for 200.00. Is it the same as the 97? I have drum brakes and i assume a 96 does also.

any thoughts of doing a swap from the 97 to the 96 axle ???

I have a feeling it would better to replace as compared to repairing the differential with worn axles.

thanks,

bernie

 

For $200 I would sure consider just swapping. The 96 should have drum. I believe 98 was the first year of rear disc.
What gear oil are you running do you have limited slip? Remember with limited slip you have to run a GL5 gear oil plus I add an additive for limited slip from NAPA. Your options paper on the glove box door should tell you.
I have read of rear end issues here but I have never had a GM rear end issue. I have owned a few GMs in my life.

 

that was quick, gl5 rated moble1 full syn. bottle says no addidtive needed.

tnx

bernie

 

Yea I know what they say. I had a 98 Jeep GC 5.9 Limited. In the owners manual it called for syn GL5 90-140, then it said add whatever Mopar number additive. Well NAPA sells an additive that meets the Mopar specs. So ever since then I don't chance it for $8, I'll put in a limited slip additive in any slipped slip rear end. Another thing does your owners manual call for synthetic oil? I have found over the years putting synthetic oil in rear ends that the factory doesn't call for it, I end up with more problems such as seal leaks etc. than running synthetic oils gains. It is best to use whatever the manufacture calls for. I'm not a big believer in Synthetics I find little advantage vs cost in running it. I'm an old retired mechanic, mostly old. But if the manufacture calls for them then I run them. My Dodge 2500 4x4 with a manual 5 speed calls for a special oil because the syncros are made of carbon fiber any thing else will ruin the synros.
If you have limited slip not working correctly that could be your heat issues.
Anyway, I hope this helps.

 

thanks, I will check the manual today to see if syn is listed.

bernie

 

Front and Rear
Axle (Standard
Differential)
SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant (GM
Part No. 1052271 or equivalent).
USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT
Rear Axle
(Locking
Differential)
Axle Lubricant; use only GM Part
No. 1052271. Do not add friction
modifier.

direct from the owners manual.

 

replaced rear axle today. ah quiet. mechanic friend and I. 6 hrs, junk yard axle, new rear shoes and wheel cylinders, and new rear shocks. all happy now until the next problem!!!!

the old axle I could bearly turn the yoke by hand when it was out of the truck.

thanks for the help all.

bernie

 

I'm having the same problem and I'm sure it's the pinion on my rear end... I replaced the axles and bearings but there's still noise. I'm debating having it rebuilt or getting a junkyard axle. Glad you got it figured out!