armyhockeynut
Ft Myer, VA
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Last couple of trips, I have heard a "winding" noise coming from the rear of the truck that would increase with speed and decrease as i slowed down. Having installed a new side bed CB antenna, I removed that to see if the wind was making the sound with the new antenna. NOPE. So I took it to a local Autocare center and after two days, they have determined that the Pinion bearing, axle bearings and carrier bearing need to be replaced, along with the appropriate seals. This would cost approx $1200. They need 2 days to get the bearings as no one has them local. Once they start the work, they may find more damage, at which case replacing the rear diffrential would be needed (7 days to aquire this). That would be another 3800, for a total of approx 5K. I can only imagine how much the local Chevy dealer would want????
Supposed to go camping this weekend, I do have the truck back while I decide what to do. Mechanic said I would probably be ok to haul the camper this weekend, but it is obviously more of a strain on the truck than normal around town driving, so be careful and dont push it.
As you can see from my signature, it is a 2001 truck. Have to decide if it is worth investing the money. (Sadly, I am not mechanically engineered and will not attempt this kind of repair on my own to keep down cost) OR do I start looking at purchasing a new truck?
Other conflict, is we are looking to switch to a motorhome in the next few years, so not sure if new truck is the wise choise, for such a short period, but I need something to town the camper come spring...
I am open to comments...
David - Ft Myer, VA
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Dave H M
IL
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It sounds like to me you better get ready for the big ram because they are beginning to close in for the kill 
Did they give you the estimate without pulling the diff cover?
What about a fluid change and haveing them show you the damage?
good luck
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b_salgado
Salisbury ,NC,USA
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If it were me, I would visit the local junkyards and find a replacement axle assembly. It will be much cheaper and easier with less time involved. If you go to one of the larger yards, they will have locators to find the axle you need. JMHO
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Take it to a local axle and driveline shop, one that specializes in axles. They should be able to completely rebuild the axle for under $2K.
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dodge guy
Bartlett IL
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Replacing the carrier bearings and pinion bearings isn`t all that expensive! and it`s very rare that the ring and pinion and carrier will need to be replaced also. the bill shouldn`t be any more than $700 +/- $100.
Take it to the Chevy dealer they will probably be the better bet for a good repair than someplace that doesn`t do them as much. ask the service writer if they have a tech that does them regularly.
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RamTX
Houston Area.
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Get a second opinion-it almost sounds like you will be giving them a blank check on the repair! As someone suggested, go to a local reputable shop that specializes in axles. Just my personal opinion, I would never have my car or truck worked on by a franchise type repair shop for any issue.
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Hi,
A rear axle gear swap is much easier, and also takes out the same parts and puts them back with new ring gear ratio, new bearings, and so on.
I know someone who had a rear axle whine, and he put in a banana. No kidding, the sound went away for a long time, then he sold the van to someone.
I am not suggesting the banana, but you should at least take it someplace and have the rear differential fluid changed. It should only cost $45 at the most to pump out most of the old fluid and install new stuff. I did it myself at home using a pump that fits on a drill, and cut a washing machine hose in half to have a intake and pump out pump. I used a couple of gallons of fluid. You can get it at Napa and other auto supply stores.
You might want to check with your local Napa dealer, tell them what happened, and they should be able to find you a much better mechanic.
Good Luck,
Fred.
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TXiceman
(Near) Houston,TX
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You need to shop that repair. Sounds like they plan to make a killing on you.
Ken
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Turtle n Peeps
California
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Quote:Replacing the carrier bearings and pinion bearings isn`t all that expensive! and it`s very rare that the ring and pinion and carrier will need to be replaced also. the bill shouldn`t be any more than $700 +/- $100.
I agree 100%. The only hard thing is setting up the gears again to the same pattern.
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danoren
Where ever I Camp
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On top of the good advice you got here I would "visit" GM Truck forum before making a decision.
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