clrusso21

I replaced my rear axle bearings in my 1997 Camaro because of an anmoying humming noise coming from the rear. I had it diagnosed by a shop just to make sure that was it, and they confirmed. After replacing the bearings, the humming noise is still there, but just a little more quiet. My only two ideas is that the axles are too chewed up where the bearings sit (they had SLIGHT grooves/indents) or the pinion bearings are bad. Any ideas? Which one is it likely to be? This noise is driving me insane

Stardust

Did they replace the carrier bearings?

clrusso21

No.... I just did the axle bearings

Isaac_Wyss

I'm having the exact same issue along with a slight thumping noise when i get off the gas, definitely coming from the rear end and definitely not the u joints. What are some of the symptoms for carrier bearings and what am I looking at cost wise?

Stardust

I bet the carrier bearings are junk. Here is a shot of mine when they went out.

McGinnis

Is the humming noise constant, with increasing frequency as the car speed goes up? That would point to bearings/or pitted axles. Otherwise if its more of a whine noise over a narrow speed range, and quiet the rest of the time it could be gear noise.

Isaac_Wyss

Mine seems to do it anywhere above 30 mph anytime I take my foot off the gas or am moving at a steady but not particularly speedy acceleration. also whines when I'm accelerating.

McGinnis

Whining almost all the time, would most likely be a bearing problem, gear whine is usually only between 45-60mph. I would check the pinion bearings for play as those go out before axle/carrier bearings usually.

handyandy496

iTrader: (9)

Dose your pinion yoke move all around and leak oil.

Isaac_Wyss

thanks guys I'll check and see what are some common symptoms of carrier bearing issues? And how big a bitch is it to do those?

clrusso21

Is there a write up on how to replace these? Or can you give me a quick run down? Thanks

Zmg00camaross

iTrader: (11)

I have found quite a few of pinion nuts that have loosened and there for pinion bearings get noisy and the pinion seal leaks. Also check and make sure your torque arm bushing is not worn out. That will give in some instances thumping and transmit some noise. I have put the rear on jackstands and start it and get it up to speed (helps with a buddy) and see if you can pin point the noise.

clrusso21

How difficult is it to replace these? Don't you have to gut the whole diff case (take out ring gear, LSD clutch pack, etc?)

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

once the axles are out,carrier end caps(total of 4 bolts) removed,carrier can come out as an assembly. End caps HAVE to go back in to the side on which they originally were,can't be mixed. Carrier are 'diificult' to remove because of the bearings preload. Loosen the caps(almost all the way off with the bolts still in) and pry carrier out. Keeping the caps on(loosely) prevents the carrier from falling out. Once carrier is out,have bearings pressed off and new ones pressed on. Ring gear and carrier internals do not have to be removed.