1999 astro 2 wheel drive 4.3

[stem]

About two weeks ago all of a sudden I started getting "the noise" from my rear end and it's gotten louder and more annoying since then. It's that whining noise, and it's getting louder and more annoying. Does anyone know if I need a complete rebuild or how I would go about checking that myself? I've priced used rear ends and they go anywhere from $300.00 to $500.00 and warranty 90 days to 6 months. The $500.00 6 month is tested and out of the vehicle but there out of stock and no telling when they'll be getting one. The others are in the vehicles one said there's are tested but I doubt it since it's not taken out yet.

[Dirk]

There is no telling what is needed until you get it out from underneath the Van and on the work bench.
I think it's a smart move looking for a replacement rear end, which one you go for in entirely up to you.
If you have to choose between tested and untested I would go with tested and as much warranty you can get/afford.

[paintdrying]

Did you check the fluild level? Crawl underneath and very carefully check for even a small leak. You could try some lucus gear oil. There is one or two rear ends on craigslist right now in my town. Pick and pull they are generally under 200 dollars. It is not that hard to swap out a rear end. I would go used.

[RECox286]

I think that before you get all excited about a noise, you should first try to pin point exactly where the noise is coming from. Lift one rear wheel at a time and run the drivetrain to see if the noise is

confined to either the left or right side (axle bearing). Use a jackstand or concrete block, or the like. You will be able to get near enough to the differential and backing plates to use a stethoscope

to locate the noise.

If the noise is from the axle bearings, then pull the axles and replace the bearings and seals. Check the axle for wear where the axle and bearing meet. If the noise is from the center, the carrier bearings,

or the pinion and ring gear, then think about a JY rear end. The other option is to take it to a specialist for a rebuild. Even I wouldn't try a rebuild, with my 50 years experience, because I have no

experience doing the type of precision work necessary for rear end rebuilding. (Whew !)

Bob

[stem]

Thanks for all the quick replies, I'll start with the basics and check the fluid levels as I did see what looked like a splash on the underside of the van. Maybe I can get out of this cheap, LOL

[stem]

Filler plugs rusted pretty good so don't know if I'll be able to get it out, I called a few places and its supposed to be a dealer item. Anyone know what size it is, they couldn't even tell me that, since it's a pipe thread I'll just use a plug from my plumbers kit ( if I have that size). Don't want to drill it out if I don't have one. Would anyone know if they make an aftermarket differential cover with the filler plug in it? Thanks in advance.

I'll post a smiley face after this is done and I'm smiling

[stem]

Ever have one of those days? Well I got the differential cover I ordered but it didn't have the fill hole that I needed (still couldn't get the fill plug out of the diff) so I had to run around looking for a Universal oil pan drain plug. Then after I made sure I had all the parts I needed I took the cover off and took a look at the gears, no burrs or sharp edges but they did look a bit worn but it's a 1999 and there didn't seem to be any slop so I put the new cover. Then I began taking the Universal off in and didn't get to far, the first to came out with a little fight but not to bad, the next two won the battle. One hour and two broken long 5/16 sockets later I threw in the towel an put everything back together, filled the diff. with some gear oil and tomorrow I'll see if it's making the same noise. If it is I'll just put in a new rear end, hate to say it but it would probably be easier. Still no smiley face though

[stem]

Took the van out yesterday and I'm still getting "The Noise" from the rear end so I'm looking into a couple that I called about last weekend but first I'm gonna buy a cheap stethascope and do what RECOX286 suggested

[Dirk]

A long screwdriver would do basically the same as a stethoscope.
Put the blade against the axle near the bearing or spot you want to listen to, avoid moving parts!, and place the handle besides your ear against your head. You'll be able to hear all the noises that come from that particular spot.

[Pie R Squared]

I had my rear end rebuilt about 6 months ago at San Diego Gear and Axle, it was bad pinion bearing The cost was $620 but I am glad I had it done, the noise went away and it feels like a new van now.

[1997funbox]

You can also pick up bca or timken differential kits for about 130.00 if you are up for the challenge.

[throrope]

I just talked to our local engine/machine shop about our front differential. The seal is gone again after less than two years. I'm thinking something is worn and the resultant slop is eating the seal. The shop told me the labor will be about $150 to put in a bearing kit, but I have to take it to the shop. I've seen the kits online for about the same.

I'm thinking this is a better route than going to the dealer or similar since these guys only do the machine shop type work and not mufflers and brakes. A jack of all trades on flat rate can typically get by for most work, but gears require more attention and appreciation and missteps deep inside the box result in repeat jobs with great consequence.

I've had enough up front guarantees swapped with excuses when costs piled.

[stem]

Well I just called a place that is can order me in a used rear end that has been tested for $420.00 and I pick it up Tue. I doubt that I'll get a longer warranty than the 6 mos., I still have reservations on one from the junkyard even if it has been tested so before I jump to that I'll call a couple places to see what it costs to rebuild, maybe I'll replace the wheel and axle bearings to and see what happens.

[stem]

You can also pick up bca or timken differential kits for about 130.00 if you are up for the challenge.

An idea and I was a machinist for 25+ years before getting into the HVAC bus. so I can turn a wrench, but from what I hear it can get real involved, something to think about though.

[stem]

You can also pick up bca or timken differential kits for about 130.00 if you are up for the challenge.

I just Googled Timken diff. kits and I see what you mean by challenge, I'd need step by step instructions if I was to attempt it. Might be fun though

[1997funbox]

Yup I have mine with carrier noise keep putting it off till I get my 1986 Monte going then I will attempt it should be fun.

[stem]

I guess you could say the verdict is in, using the screwdriver method the only place I could here noise was in the differential, almost like a brushing sound but worse. Now I have to decide which way to go, buy a differential kit or a rear and, since I use my van for work I can't take a chance on screwing something up so I'm going with the $420.00 used with a 6 month warranty. I'll post how things go, still no smiley face though

[1997funbox]

Good luck with the swap should be fairly easy few hours at most.

[stem]

I just picked up the rear end and have a question, got it home and took a look at it, moved the part that the universal connects to back and forth and it has play. I don't know how much if any is OK, can someone give me some info on this?

[chevymaher]

I just picked up the rear end and have a question, got it home and took a look at it, moved the part that the universal connects to back and forth and it has play. I don't know how much if any is OK, can someone give me some info on this?

It has some play in direction it supposed to turn.Play in the pinion gear and the ring gear that normal.where the problem would be is if it moves up and down indicating bearing is worn.Movement red arrow okay.Blue arrow not so much.