I have an 86 Trans AM, 4 wheel disc, and I believe it has a 9 bolt Borg Warner Posi rearend. .. Not positive though as I am not real familiar with third gens, and am not the original owner.

My right rear wheel/axle bearing seems to be making noise. I took it to a shop to get the bearing replaced. They pulled the differential cover and said they don't recognize what is inside and don't know how to get it apart, so the put it back together and didn't charge me. Said I should take it to a differential shop.

Anyone know of a reasonable place in NE Florida that can do the work?

 

Count the bolts on the cover to determine if you have a 9- or 10-bolt. If the latter, check the sticky for a how-to.

JamesC

 

Thanks, it is 9 bolt, but I'm not even going to attempt this.. Just got it back from the shop, and the reason they won't do it is because it has been modified and has an aftermarket mechanical limited slip differential. I didn't put it there, and the guy I bought it from years ago didn't mention it. So I need someone that knows what to do with it.

 

its all stock, its a cone type posi, if its posi. The 9 bolt is a stock rear for some of these cars, nothing to crazy about it.

the axles can be removed without taking the cover off the rear, take off the wheels and backing plates, unbolt the retaining brackets and pull the axles out. bearings are them pressed on and off.

the shop just doesnt seem to know this particular rear axle setup.

 

Still not sure I want to try it myself. But might be easier to find a shop.

 

86TA,, let me ask a few more questions.

I am hearing a faint scraping sound coming from what seems to be the right rear, but it is quiet enough I only noticed it because the stereo quit working and even then it is only noticeable above about 30 mph. It sounds almost like when a drum brake drags, but not as loud.

I am assuming this is the right rear wheel bearing, as I have checked the disc and caliper in the back and they seem fine. Is there anything else it could be?

Also when I had the rear tire off I could not turn the disc with my bare hands, I had to put the tire back on for leverage. Is this normal or does it indicate a problem with the rear end?

 

Is there any weeping from around the seal area? Do you see fluid on the inside of the rim? Any kind of fluid mess in the general area?

JamesC

 

its possible the discs are dragging and making noise. It may not be the bearing or seal if its not leaking as JamesC mentioned.

How old are the rear brakes? have you ever changed them? maybe now is a good time to do that, and maybe it will fix this noise too.

could even be a sticking parking brake cable

 

James,
No weeping or oil leaks.

86TA,
Brakes look good, lots of pad left.. Hadn't thought of the parking brake, but it barely works so I wouldn't think it is dragging.