ButtStripe

So I have a noise in the area of my front differential. It usually occurs at slower speeds when decelerating. It sounds like an intermittent vibration. So lets say, for illustrative purposes, its a bad bearing- where 3/4 of it was ok, and 1/4 of it was bad. That's how it sounds if that makes any sense, like the vibration happens when it hits that 1/4 spot on the rotation. It also will sometimes make a clunk when turning left.

Here's the thing about the differential- In the past 7 months I have replaced my carrier bearing, u-joints at both axles and all three on my front driveshaft, both hub bearing assemblies, as well as my rotors and pads. What am I missing besides pinion bearings?

My other thought is, get the newer Dana 30, put on all the new parts that I replaced on the old one, and swap it in when I do my oil pan gasket.

Thanks in advance!

mo8414

Could be a pinion bearing. They are fun and a good learning experience. Sounds like u replaced all the other bearings it could be. The clunk could be a ball joint or a broken sway bar link making noise.

Turbo X_J

How did you go about setting backlash when you replaced the carrier bearings?

ButtStripe

Yeah that's what I thought too just wanted to make sure they wouldn't be interrelated issues. I'll have to take a better look.

ButtStripe

I didn't. My carrier bearing was installed by me at a driveline specialists' shop under the supervision of two master differentialists lol. I removed the carrier, they pressed the bearing in, I replaced the carrier, he checked my work, the both of them said I would only need to check for clearances if I was re-gearing. They also told me to tighten certain bolts until they were make you fart tight. Sounded professional to me at the time....

mo8414

You should get a mag base and cheap indicator and check the backlash to make sure its in spec. Usually when a pinion bearing is bad u can move it around a lil bit where it meets your drive shaft.

ButtStripe

Thank you I will look into it. Is there a mag base and cheap indicator that you'd recommend?

mo8414

Harbor freight shows both on their web site. That should be good enough.