(1997 camaro, lt1)haha, ok so on my way home tonight i started getting a really bad sound in my rear end when i would let off the gas.. when i would let off the peddle it felt the rear-end was almost locking up.. horrible metal-onk-metal sound. didnt take the time to jack it up and look under there yet, but there is fluid all over by the rear pinion seal.. could that seal just have busted, or do i get to invest in new rear-end...(if so, any suggestions) good thing i live in wyoming and came home late, because i slid around pretty much every corner so i didnt have to let off the gas...haha.

 

Sounds like you've probably got busted gears, if the sound came on SUDDENLY, and if it's really loud and obvious ... yeah ... welcome to the club!

Recommendations??? Depends on budget. If you've got an extra couple grand laying around, upgrade to a 12-bolt or 9" replacement. If not, then just fix what needs fixing (and that's most likely to be the gears) ...

... UNLESS you had a bearing pile up because you had a leaking pinion seal, therefore ran your diff out of oil, and toasted a bearing??? That's possible too . Regardless, the cover is coming off and something's gotta get fixed!!

 

Take the cover off and check the internal, before buying parts.

 

alright, thanks guys... im headed to the shop right now to take a look....

 

hmmm, just got done looking at my car and the rear pinion bearing is gone and those teeth smashed into the rest of it.... = everything is ruined... any suggestions on where to get a gear kit and what gears????