Front diff bearing oddness, run it or replace it?

[Zorba]

Just noticed this - same bearing, two sides:

Its almost like it was this way from new. The other bearing is cherry, both races are cherry, there's zero sign of rust anywhere, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah.

Run it or replace it?

 

[Daryl]

Those bearings need replaced. I would suggest rebuilding the differential with careful attention to inspection of the hard parts.

 

[Zorba]

Those bearings need replaced. I would suggest rebuilding the differential with careful attention to inspection of the hard parts.

Everything else is absolutely like new.

I assume I should replace both bearings since I'm doing this now, what about the races?

 

[WV Native]

Everything else is absolutely like new.

I assume I should replace both bearings since I'm doing this now, what about the races?

They should both be replaced. The races likely have matching damage.

 

[Daryl]

Everything else is absolutely like new.

I assume I should replace both bearings since I'm doing this now, what about the races?

I would recommend disassembling the entire axle assembly, clean and inspect for reusability. Yes the races need replaced also.

 

[Zorba]

I would recommend disassembling the entire axle assembly, clean and inspect for reusability. Yes the races need replaced also.

The whole axle *has* been disassembled, I did U-joints and installed a lunchbox locker. I noticed this when I went to put the carrier back into the pumpkin.

Next dumb question: I assume that I do NOT need to run a pattern when I replace the bearings as long as the shims are all kept squared away?

 

[macleanflood]

Next dumb question: I assume that I do NOT need to run a pattern when I replace the bearings as long as the shims are all kept squared away?

No you don't need to run a pattern.

Yes I would.

-Mac

 

[Zorba]

No you don't need to run a pattern.

Yes I would.

-Mac

In that case, I'll get the compound. Makes sense.

Another adventure - I'd like to know the how/why of this, but "whatever"!

 

[Daryl]

The whole axle *has* been disassembled, I did U-joints and installed a lunchbox locker. I noticed this when I went to put the carrier back into the pumpkin.

Next dumb question: I assume that I do NOT need to run a pattern when I replace the bearings as long as the shims are all kept squared away?

You need to figure out where all the shrapnel came from that destroyed those bearings. The only way I know of to do that is a complete disassembly and inspection. Replace parts as needed.

 

[Daryl]

Recent example. A couple days ago I finished the rebuild on a 1999 K1500 8.6 rear axle. For the same situation you’re currently in I disassembled and inspected everything. Found the shrapnel came from the OEM gov-lock differential. Destroyed everything including the axles. The only thing that was reusable was the ring and pinion.

 

[WV Native]

Recent example. A couple days ago I finished the rebuild on a 1999 K1500 8.6 rear axle. For the same situation you’re currently in I disassembled and inspected everything. Found the shrapnel came from the OEM gov-lock differential. Destroyed everything including the axles. The only thing that was reusable was the ring and pinion.
View attachment 680815

I’m a member of a Chevy Colorado forum and there are loads of people who think the G80 junk is the greatest thing ever.

I’m an outspoken hater of the Gov-bomb.

 

[Zorba]

You need to figure out where all the shrapnel came from that destroyed those bearings. The only way I know of to do that is a complete disassembly and inspection. Replace parts as needed.

Like I said, its been completely apart. Whatever happened probably got flushed out years ago - or maybe water got sucked in on that side, but you'd think either way the race would show evidence, but apparently not!

New bearings ordered, along with gear pattern compound for a sanity check. Nobody seemed to have the compound in stock that I'd get sometime this month, except Summit. Several wanted to sell me Prussian Blue, which I think would work but be hard to see; Summit had the yellow stuff ready to ship TODAY. Not two fucking weeks from now. Nobody local had compound either. Now I gotta go to Harbor Bomber and get a bearing puller.

 

[hosejockey61]

Those bearings are pitted pretty bad. Like the others have said, replace both the bearings and races.

 

[hear]

Like I said, its been completely apart. Whatever happened probably got flushed out years ago - or maybe water got sucked in on that side, but you'd think either way the race would show evidence, but apparently not!

New bearings ordered, along with gear pattern compound for a sanity check. Nobody seemed to have the compound in stock that I'd get sometime this month, except Summit. Several wanted to sell me Prussian Blue, which I think would work but be hard to see; Summit had the yellow stuff ready to ship TODAY. Not two fucking weeks from now. Nobody local had compound either. Now I gotta go to Harbor Bomber and get a bearing puller.

You can do it with that puller...I've done it enough times to know that I don't love doing it. You can get a clamshell puller on amazon for $95 right now and live a happier life.

 

[Zorba]

You can do it with that puller...I've done it enough times to know that I don't love doing it. You can get a clamshell puller on amazon for $95 right now and live a happier life.

I'm all about a happier life - point me at the puller in question please...

 

[hear]

https://www.amazon.com/clp/B09RZNLGBX?tag=wranglerorg-20

I have one (not sure if this one or just a Chindentical one), but I haven't used it yet because I keep puttiing off my re-gear adventure. I met up with Macho a while back to use his....had that bearing off so fast you'll think you were downloading an app on your smartphone.

 

[Zorba]

https://a.co/d/05O60HMq

I have one (not sure if this one or just a Chindentical one), but I haven't used it yet because I keep puttiing off my re-gear adventure. I met up with Macho a while back to use his....had that bearing off so fast you'll think you were downloading an app on your smartphone.

Thanx. Ordered. I figure that if I do have an unexpected pattern problem, this will save my ass. Plus its looking like I'm going to now have to eventually tear into the rear axle as well, might as well upgrade to a super 35 while I'm there, blah, blah. After using the "official" oil seal seating tool, that just reminded me of how NICE it is to have the correct damn tool. Some of the youtube videos looked pretty damn sketchy...

 

[hosejockey61]

Thanx. Ordered. I figure that if I do have an unexpected pattern problem, this will save my ass. Plus its looking like I'm going to now have to eventually tear into the rear axle as well, might as well upgrade to a super 35 while I'm there, blah, blah. After using the "official" oil seal seating tool, that just reminded me of how NICE it is to have the correct damn tool. Some of the youtube videos looked pretty damn sketchy...

If you do have a pattern problem, there's nothing you can do about it anyway.

 

[Zorba]

If you do have a pattern problem, there's nothing you can do about it anyway.

Well, we'll find out. I thought you could adjust shims under the carrier bearings (in addition to the pinion)?

 

[hosejockey61]

Well, we'll find out. I thought you could adjust shims under the carrier bearings (in addition to the pinion)?

Only for initial setup when new. Once your gears are work hardened, it is what it is.