bearing problem?

[ezzywave]

I have a '90 4x4 Ranger with a roaring sound that is speed dependant. After driving about 25 miles at 60mph I felt all the wheel hubs and they were hardly even warm. Then I touched the differential right by the input and it is HOT. Not burn your skin hot, but warmer than any other part of the casting.

I have not identified what rear end this is yet. Does anyone know where I can find a write-up about replacing that bearing? Yes, I know it is complicated, but I am a machinist...

 

[ecablarn]

The rear end is where the noise is coming from? Does it "humm" or "howl", sounds like one or both the pinion bearings, if so it would be a quite bit of work and technical as well. How is the fluid level is it low, if so that is probably the initial cause. I had the same problem in my last vehicle a 96 jeep grand ch. and I ended up finding out the ratio and replacing the whole axle. You may find this is just as cheap a fix and you could get a 8.8 too, if you don't have one in your truck already (bolts right in). Welcome to TRS, by the way!

 

[ezzywave]

Thanks for the welcome. I would discribe it as more of a howl than a hum. It also gets louder when turning hard to the right, so now I'm not as sure it is the pinion bearings as before. Yes, the fluid level is/was correct.

 

[ecablarn]

Well now i guess i couldn't be sure what it is then. Seems like maybe a carrier side bearing or maybe the left side axle shaft outer bearing.