Toasted axle? what should I be looking for

[Tacoma]

So. In yet another awesome misadventure, I managed to inadvertently lose a couple diff cover bolts between here and Vernal and possibly toast my 14 bolt. Lost a LOT of gear oil over the 300mi. before I noticed.

VERY NOISY. Noise is roughly described as follows:

1. high-pitched, even-toned "howl" under acceleration-- similar to tire howl, but smoother in tone
2. kind of a rattly, grindy noise when off the gas and decelerating
3. a smoother variant of 2 when coasting with a little gas
4. nothing when off the gas

Because I'm built low, I'm assuming that my R/P will be wrecked. I have one week to remedy this situation, likely to be: new rear end, deal with current one later.

Tomorrow I'll be pulling the diff cover for a look-see. What should I be looking for??? There is no apparent play in the pinion.


Any and all help appreciated. And if anyone's got a 4.56 R/P w/Detroit laying around, I am all ears!

 

[notajeep]

Bearings rolling around in the bottom or otherwise fused to the pinion gear. Cracked and or broken teeth on either gear. Smelly detroit.

 

[Tacoma]

There is no noise coasting, and nothing under about 40mph.

 

[BCGPER]

Try the front pinion bearing. That'll make noise at higher speeds, and will be the first to get fried due to lack of oil. Keep in mind though, the rest were likely damaged and will haunt you in the future.

 

[Tacoma]

Yep, that's what I'm suspecting-- future damage.

It seems that I can just yank the pinion out of the 14 bolt w/out ill effect??? reading up right now

 

[notajeep]

Sounds like you might be missing a tooth or two. However, I have no idea what that may have done to the detroit, and how it may react.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Likely burnt up a bearings.

 

[Tacoma]

I don't think anything's broken off-- no crunching noises or anything like that. Just crappy bearing and noise issues.

Nothing I'm reading is making me think that the R/P survive unscathed. Bummer.

 

[Bucking Bronco]

Its fine just fill it up with oil and run it.

There does that make you feel better

 

[Tacoma]

No.

This bulls**t is eating my Cruiser money and fast. When it rains, it pours.

 

[BCGPER]

There's always that other option.......


Sawdust, and a For Sale sign.

 

[Tacoma]

Absolutely not! I love my Blazer! *crying*

 

[lewis]

I ran my 14 bolt out oil once. The bearings survived but the ring and pinion were scarred pretty bad which made for some really bad grinding vibration at low speeds. I filled it up il and ran it for a year or so with no more problems.

 

[Meat_]

If the Detroit survived, give it to me.... give it to me now.

...I managed to inadvertently lose a couple diff cover bolts...

Dude, I'll be out to confiscate all of your tools tomorrow.... you suck at the mechanic.

 

[waynehartwig]

Try the front pinion bearing. That'll make noise at higher speeds, and will be the first to get fried due to lack of oil. Keep in mind though, the rest were likely damaged and will haunt you in the future.

Xactly my thoughts, too...

...I'd open it up and see if the gears are burned. If not, throw new bearings/seals at it and run it.

 

[4554x4]

Too bad.....

Het Tacoma, that oil we put in there is super miracle lubricant. It should heal up just fine with an asprin. On a more serious note, I think you will find the bearing shot and probably the ring and pinion shot. My guess is the Detroit will be fine. If by chance the carrier is ruined, I have an extra one for the 4,10 ratio that might work. Wayne