Hi all,
I have a '89 Firebird, that has bad pinion bearings. Need to know if I can replace them or should I have shop do them. I have impact tools. Just need to know if there are any special tools need to remove everything. I have a 7.5, 26SPL Auburn POSI. I have removed the axles before and replaced U-Joints and that is as far as I have worked on the diff. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreicated.

Brad
San Diego

 

It's not that hard to do, but it does require a couple of tools.... the one I use is a piece of 2" x ¼" x 4' strip stock with 2 holes drilled along the edge near the end, to hold the yoke while loosening and tightening the nut; and you'll need access to a press. You'll need the 2 pinion bearings, one of which may came as a cone and a race; and a seal; and a crush sleeve. I'd strongly recommend replacing the carrier and axle bearings while it's apart. The cheapest way to get all these parts is as a "deluxe" or "master" gear install kit, which will have all the bearings, seals, shims, crush sleeve, etc. etc.

If you've never set up a rear end before, I wouldn't recommend tackling it by yourself. Get somebody that's familiar with the process to help you out. You won't really have to "set up" the rear, as such, because the housing won't change, so you can just put the shims back like they came out; but to get the pinion bearing preload (crush sleeve) right and stuff like that, you could use some hands-on guidance.

When I lived out there, I used to use Oceanside Driveline for stuff like that. I highly recommend them. Give them a call and see what they'd charge to do it for you. It'd be cheaper than making a mistake and having to buy a set of gears and do it again.