Update on ring, pinion, wheel bearing nosie and dealer estimate

[00 Ragtop Z]

After the dealer estiamted $1300 parts, $500 labor to replace virtually the entire rear end (from my posting last week), I had them button it up and took it to an independent shop recommended by someone I trusted. The bad news is he confirmed the pinon bearings and wheel bearings must be replaced, and said that this is becoing a problem on some of the newer f-bodys at about this mileage (59,000 miles). Good news is ring and pinon gears are fine, and better news is total cost will be about $500--which I can afford (almost anyway!)

Thanks to all who provided input on this. I would be interested if anyone else has experienced this problem with the pinion bearings, which results in the rear wheel bearings needing replacing too becuase of trash in the gear lube formt eh pinion bearings.

[Joe 1320]

I look at things this way..... Since the rear is going to be apart, you might as well replace the other wearable items while you are at it. It is cheaper in the long run than having to open it up again for something that you should have replaced the first time.

[MN6WS6]

I would be calling the local junkyards and get a price on an entire rearend. There are deals out there, and you could save a lot of money. Then you can take whatever you save and put it in the 12 bolt fund, as that is your only "permanent" solution to the f-body rearend problem.

[ws6drbob]

I had the same problem with my rearend and i replaced all the bearings in it for about $300 and me and my uncle did all the work ourselves.

[N20LT4Bird]

Originally posted by MN6WS6
I would be calling the local junkyards and get a price on an entire rearend. There are deals out there, and you could save a lot of money. Then you can take whatever you save and put it in the 12 bolt fund, as that is your only "permanent" solution to the f-body rearend problem.

i got one for $350. complete with richmond 3.73's and a lingenfelter girdle.