Pinion Bearings
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 182
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From: Canada
Pinion Bearings
I had the truck up on the hoist yesterday to change to oil, and while I was underneath realized that there is play in my pinion bearings. I've heard people talk about tightening the nut on the pinion gear. My thoughts are to go buy a new nut (incase the old one is bad and has backed off by itself) and torque that on a little tighter. I realize you do not want too much torque on this but I would like some input from anyone who has done this. I really don't want to have to tear apart my entire axle/differential assembly just to replace the bearings. Thanks in advance!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 559
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From: South Carolina
I tightened my pinion nut awhile back - it hasn't done any harm, but the bearings still have play in them. This is one of those projects that goes on the back burner - as long as you don't mess around with it too much, it'll probably keep going for awhile. Unfortunately, the only real fix is to install new bearings.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
Even though I know people have done it and had no problems, re-torquing the pinion nut is a touchy practice. The tolerances are so close that a hair too much overtight even on a worn bearing has the potential to destroy the bearing that much faster. Obviously its your call, but just knowing the bearings are on their way out would be incentive enough to start working on the logistics of getting them replaced. The torque specs have a preload setting and a final setting based on new bearings only. If the old ones are going out, its really only a matter of time before you will be faced with replacement anyway. Just my $0.02
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 182
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From: Canada
I appreciate your guys' input. After talking this over with and older wiser mechanic friend, I have decided to just replace the bearings. And perhaps, but hopefully not, replace the pinion and ring gears if they are worn, although I changed the dif fluid this summer and everything looked good. I know I have to pull the axles and carrier and all to replace the bearings, and I know how to do the whole thing in theory but it would be nice if someone had a write-up for those small overlooked details that always bite me in the butt. Anyone with further advice, or a write-up page, please speak up!! Thanks again everyone!
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