Noisy Pinion Bearing, 01 8.8 Replacement

[Bronc3]

So I am replacing all the bearings in our 8.8 due to a noisy pinion bearing. Just curious what the odds are that I can go back with the original shims and still be in spec. Crap shoot? I do have a full install kit as well as correct tools. I even have in temp bearings ground to slip fit, just hoping I don't have to do that.

 

[franklin2]

Chances are very good if the bearings are made by the same manufacturer. Problem is China has stepped in, even on some of the regular brand bearings, so there can be differences. I would definitely try it with the original shims, they should put you close.

 

[sgtsandman]

I agree with franklin2. As long as you match the bearing brand, you have a good chance of pulling it off. Assuming the Chinese haven’t changed any specs.

 

[adsm08]

Your best bet of not having to change the shims is to get Ford bearings.

 

[19Walt93]

If you reuse the original pinion shims it might come out close, worst case it will whine but you likely wouldn't hear it in a truck. I would definitely check the backlash and make sure you have proper preload on the carrier bearings. Make sure to thoroughly clean out the housing- including the axle tubes- and I'd also replace the wheel bearings because they're lubed by the same oil.

 

[Bronc3]

Thanks folks, that’s encouraging. I have OEM bearings. We can definitely check preload and lash, and have shims if needed. Even have ground out setup bearings.

 

[19Walt93]

You can't get an accurate measurement without using the actual bearing you're installing and a pinion depth gauge. If you're reusing the same gears, I'd put the old shim back on the pinion, press the new bearing on, and reassemble it.

 

[Roert42]

While you may not have exactly the same setting with a setup bearing as your bearing you are using for the final assembly, there is always an acceptable range of tolerances.

As long as you are not changing the gears or carrier, just the bearings, I would assemble the pinion with the new bearing and same shim. Check your pattern and lash, Id bet money it will still be within spec, and run it.

 

[Bronc3]

Everything looks good, the small pinion bearing was bad. I think someone changed the seal and used a gun.

 

[19Walt93]

I've changed hundreds of pinion seals and retightened the nut with my impact, I use it to build new rear ends, too. An overtightened bearing will usually live but a loose one will fail.

 

[Bronc3]

We found the issue, all went well. Truck is on the road as I type this, rear end is tight and quiet.

 

[Bronc3]

Now to chase the PCM codes. Deleted them, we’ll see what comes back. Actually runs fine.

 

[Bronc3]

I've changed hundreds of pinion seals and retightened the nut with my impact, I use it to build new rear ends, too. An overtightened bearing will usually live but a loose one will fail.

Lots of people have. Too many people don’t have that “feel” and hammer a wee bit to much.