I installed a new seal on my rear pinion (2012 F150 STX 5.0 4x4) last weekend. Now I have a chirpping noise at 30 mph (about 150-175 miles since repair). I counted the turns of the nut as I took it off, and put back on. Marked it like all the videos said to do, etc.... But I am worried I got something wrong. I am figuring the bearing is going, but unsure. I'll climb under there and double check the universal bolts, but doubt that is it. Time will tell.

So, what can I expect to pay to get my rear end set back up, assuming I will have to get a new pinion bearing.

Also, aside from calling the dealership, if you know of a reputable shop in western NY/ central NY let me know, I live between Rochester and Syracuse.

 

A chirping noise that sounds like there's a cricket under there is usually from a dry u-joint bearing.

 

Sometimes there's a metal flange spacer in there that doesn't really do much but if it gets tweaked during pinion repair it'll start rubbing and squeaking. I had mine removed from my Mustang for that reason.

 

My wife said it was making a noise, and that it starts at 30 mph. I drove it that night, no noise. Then I drove it last night to a meeting and didn't hear anything on my trip there, but it chirpped all the way home. Came home, checked the ujoint, hoping there would be a grease fitting, but there wasn't. Took the truck out, and all was fine for the first mile or two, then it started again. I don't want to put miles on it and ruin the gears, but I have to get tires on it tomorrow. Once I get it home, I guess I will try and pull the ujoint out and replace it, or take apart and grease.

Still looking for an idea of cost to repair if I need to take it to a shop.

 

So I haven't been able to resolve this problem. I replaced the universal joint at the pinion. It was stiff compared to the one at the top of the driveshaft. I had the place I got my inspection at look at it, but they were idiots and said it was a warped rotor rubbing against new pads. If that had been the case I would hear the noise stop when I applied the brakes.
I do believe it is in the pinion now. The noise starts at 30 mph, can change pitch based on speed, if you let off the gas it changes pitch, if you get back on the gas it changes pitch again.
So I am goin to have to break down and take it to a shop. Should i have to replace the bearing on the pinion, what should I expect the repair to cost? I would prefer to not go to the dealership, but may have no other choice.