Parts wear out, and when subjected to high performance use they also break. If you expect to get a long service life out of parts, you need an overbuilt/understressed application. Which is not a performance driven V-8 F-body. So, not trying to make you feel bad, but this kind of thing is a fact of life with performance cars.

Rich Krause

 

I drive my car hard at the road courses and I haven't heard of a rear wheel bearing failure.

The front is fairly common with abused cornering. The sealed front bearing were a poor design.

 

I realize that my response was a little unwaranted. So I apologize vader. I understand totally about the maintenance thing, I jusdt figured that my waterpump or opti oir something would go long before my wheel bearings. I'am going to take a look at it tonight. My only fear tonight is that I will take it all apart and I won't be able to tell which bearing is cause the noise by a visual inspection. Should I put the car up on a lift and run it a little to see if the sound is either coming from the rear end or the wheel bearings, or would I still not be able to tell. What would you guys suggest?

 

OK guys, just got back from tires plus and we put the car on a rack and ran it. Its definetely a bearing in the rear end, we can't tell at all if its coming from one of the two pinion bearings or one of the two side carrier bearings, but its definetely messed up.

Everyone I've called wants something like 350ish for a bearing swap a setup(all the bearings in the rear, including axle). But no one will warranty it unless they change the ring gear and pinion(I will get something lower for sure like 3.42's), so the cheapest for that is 250+the bearing cost. Does this seem high or about normal?

Do I have any other options, they say the gears will definetely be messed up, is this true or are they just saying that. I could replace the bearings myself probably, but I dont think I could re-setup the new gears.

 

Thanks for the bad news Blue96z28! I'm having the rearend in my TA diagnosed tomorrow by a reputable shop and I'm fairly certain now that you and I are in the same boat. Unfortunately...

EDIT: Also, don't forget that you will most likely be able to buy another 10-bolt rearend (used) for much less than rebuilding your current one. That's the part that sucks. Doesn't make sense, but it sucks none-the-less.

 

Here is a used one for sale.

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread...hreadid=363757

 

if your doing all the bearings and new gears and maybe a new carrier as you have 2.73's now - I'd be very tempted to either buy a used 10 or a new 12 bolt

 

Damn, i think my 95 Z with 61k miles on it has the same problem, i know my front right is going out so i will replace both the fronts right now, at 150 each that is gonna hurt....also i sometimes get that growling from the rear on left turns i think, so i might just replace those bearings while i am at it, Also my brakes a messed up, the rear drivers is sticking and covering the wheel in brake dust, i am just gonna completely redo the brakes and wheels bearings. Also the thing with buying a used rear end....who knowns if the previous owner of that car maintained it well(most people don't change the rear end lube...hell alot never change ATF either)....afterall it is in a junkyard....something to think about.

Also if the Vader on this board is the same as the one on Thirdgen.org....i would never ever question him.......the Vader over on TGO is da' man.

 

Sorry to say it's not me on the thirdgen board. I thought there was only one of me, but apparently not.
You're welcome to trust my advice anyways!

 

I blew pass wheel bearing usig drags. I had it replaced part 20 or so labor ws like 40 bucks. Now its fine

 

I replaced the wheel bearings in my 94Z, it wasn't too bad. If you are not replacing the axle don't pay anyone anywhere near 400 dollars, the parts are like 20 bucks and it doesn't take too long to do. They do have to be "pressed" in, but just use a wood block and a hammer. Its not that difficult.

If you have any other questions let me know and I may be able to help out