i have a 2001 blazer with 150k on it. I hear a humming noise from the rear endso I pulled the cover off to the rear end and found metal shavings in the fluid and pieces of metal sitting in the bottom....roughly 10 of those pieces looked all the same(looked like little pellets approx. 1/2 inch long)and some i couldnt tell but they were just bent pieces of metal. Does anyone have any suggestions on what this may be and if so how would i go about fixing this?? (Rear end still spins ) i am also looking for diagrams of rear end with pictures or anyting that will help.

 

I would start by fully inspecting the gears and diff carrier. Do you have a G80 diff (look on your RPO codes list in the glove box)?

 

Definately need to know which diff you have.
The pellets are part of the bearing (probably pinion bearing)

If all the gear teeth look ok then it's worn bearings. You have already removed the cover or I would have suggested lifting the truck and trying to determine exactly which ones.
If it was mine I would replace all the bearings at this point because the metal filings have been carried thru the entire diff by the oil.
That would be the pinion, case and outer axle bearings.
This is not an easy task for many home mechanics because of the tools required.
Tools Required[*]Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer (7.6inch axle)[*]Outer Bearing Race Installer (7.6inch axle)[*]Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer (8.6inch axle)[*]Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer (8.6inch axle)[*]Split Plate Bearing Puller[*]Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer (8.6inch axle)[*]Rear Pinion Bearing Cup Installer (7.6inch axle)[*]inch pound torque wrench ( dial indicator type)[*]foot pound torque wrench[*]pinion and axle seal installers[/ul]
The case side bearings and inner pinion bearing need to be pressed on and you will also need a dial type of inch pound torque wrench for setting up the diff with the new bearings.
If you want to tackle this job, let us know and we can walk you through it.