Howl in the rear... ??

[Dan M]

Thanks again guys. I have an appointment for a shop next Monday (8/31). Question is, can I take the car for short drives without doing any harm? I'm talking maybe a couple hundred miles total between now and then? And would it help if i kept it below the speed at which the whine develops (about 50)? It's nice and I'm antsy to take the car out. But if it's gonna cause damage, then I'll wait.

 

[Vettenick]

I wouldn't until you know what's going on. A noise anywhere is a sign of a problem. Small problems turn into big ones.

 

[camaro71/holland]

It shouldn't be. What he was referring to was actually tightening the pinion nut to 150 to crush the spacer on the pinion, then using an inch pound torque wrench to measure how much torque it takes to rotate the pinion. Make sure the case is out, and after tightening, rotate the pinion a few times before measuring. If you feel uncomfortable, considering what damage can occur, then take it to someone who knows. Hope it works out!

Yes, that's what I'm talking about. Thanks for clearing it up.

Don't take your car for such long trips without taking care of the problems or you'll have to replace the R&P for sure.

 

[Dan M]

So I brought the car in to a local shop. To change the ring and pinion gear (assuming that they are shot), and to set up the rear end, they quoted $1100. If it just needs the pinion bearing and crush seal replaced, they quoted $685. I have no basis for these prices but they seem high to me. Am I off my rocker? Thanks.

 

[Vettenick]

So I brought the car in to a local shop. To change the ring and pinion gear (assuming that they are shot), and to set up the rear end, they quoted $1100. If it just needs the pinion bearing and crush seal replaced, they quoted $685. I have no basis for these prices but they seem high to me. Am I off my rocker? Thanks.

For the pinion bearing. let's say book time is 4 hours, and parts $200. Are they getting $125/hr? Setting up a new R and P is tedious and time consuming. The issue is.....if they replace the pinion bearing, and the noise is still there, is it going to cost another $1100 to fix it. They need to open it up and evaluate it. in order to cover their butts they might convince you to do the whole thing. If there's a lot of mileage on this rear, it might be worth it. That price is assuming there are no other surprises after they open it up, like a bad posi case....another $600. just saying. Will they guarantee that the rear will be quiet?

 

[Dan M]

Thanks Vettenick. I think they posted a sign indicating that their labor rate was about $110, so I guess that the prices are not that far out of the ballpark if it takes that long to set it up (I have absolutely no idea how long it takes, but it sounds like you do so I'm cool with that). Not sure if they just do the r&p and the noise is still there, if they would charge another $1100 (I could ask). Not sure how much mileage is on the rear end. I won it in an Ebay auction. When I picked it up, the guy seemed honest (I know, anybody can SEEM honest), and said there were no problems with it. He even opened the cover for me to look at. The ring gear looked good-no chipped teeth and they appeared to be in good shape. BUT I've never worked on one before so I wasn't really sure what to look for. They are going to open do a diff service ($125) which basically consists of opening it up, inspecting it, and refilling it if I decide to do nothing. Thanks again for your feedback. We'll see where this goes.

 

[Vettenick]

Let's think positive. If the noise appeared ONLY after you replaced the seal, I would say it's the pinion bearings. Good luck!

 

[76z28]

Did mine today... pinion nut was barely loose. Tightened it up and it went away.. Everything looked good inside the diff too. Still want to go with a 9 inch so I can at least try to drag race it some.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

So I brought the car in to a local shop. To change the ring and pinion gear (assuming that they are shot), and to set up the rear end, they quoted $1100. If it just needs the pinion bearing and crush seal replaced, they quoted $685. I have no basis for these prices but they seem high to me. Am I off my rocker? Thanks.

High end but not outrageous.

 

[Dan M]

Well, the shop had the car for almost 4 days and never pulled the cover. PLUS, they left the car in their yard even after they told me that they would bring it in their shop. So, I picked up the car and brought it back home. Not sure what I'm going to do yet. If anybody in the Chicago area has a good posi rear end for sale, shoot me a message. Thanks again for all the help.