I have a 1990 firebird formula tbi. My car makes a loud howling noise when I'm driving but mainly when I'm only giving it a little bit of throttle. I've been told that it is probably that the gears are worn, but I've also been told that it could be the axle bearings or the bearings in the differential. has anyone else had this problem? please help
Moderator
When my '92 started howling out back it ended up being the carrier bearings. When GM built the rear I guess they figured that 25 thou of preload was just about right ( 8 thou is spec).
Needless to say the carrier bearing races were shredded; which sent flakes of metal throughout the rear; which required all the bearings to be replaced. Yea, it was pricey. Of course I needed to wash the housing out too.
First clue as to a major problem was that upon draining the oil it looked like metallic paint.
RBob.
Needless to say the carrier bearing races were shredded; which sent flakes of metal throughout the rear; which required all the bearings to be replaced. Yea, it was pricey. Of course I needed to wash the housing out too.
First clue as to a major problem was that upon draining the oil it looked like metallic paint.
RBob.
Junior Member
I had an 86 T/A with a similar noise.
Turned out to be the bearing in the differential for the short piece that goes between the differential and the drive shaft. (Sorry, in my ignorance, I don't know the real name for this part).
Hope this helps.
Turned out to be the bearing in the differential for the short piece that goes between the differential and the drive shaft. (Sorry, in my ignorance, I don't know the real name for this part).
Hope this helps.
RBob, how much did it cost you to have the bearings replaced? So far I've only called one shop and they quoted me around $700
Moderator
Quote:
Originally posted by matt formula
RBob, how much did it cost you to have the bearings replaced? So far I've only called one shop and they quoted me around $700
I did the work myself, so it was just the cost of the bearings & seals. I'd have to find the receipts to get the exact prices I paid. I do remember that the larger pinion bearing was close to $80. Then the other pinion bearing & race, two axles bearings, then two carrier bearings and races (6 bearings, 4 races, 3 seals). Originally posted by matt formula
RBob, how much did it cost you to have the bearings replaced? So far I've only called one shop and they quoted me around $700
The $700 sounds about right for a shop to do it. Art Houser is in Topton north of you. He has net presence for contact info (www.therearman.com or .net?). If you can drop the rear your self it may be an alternative to take the whole thing to him.
RBob.
Junior Member
Summit sells rebuild kits for around $100. The kit includes all the bearings and races, plus shims, marking compound and gasket. I wouldn't spend $700 to rebuild a 7.5 inch 10 bolt. If you were local I'd do it for much less. I know alot of people on the boards have done it. Can anyone in PA help him out?