To All -
I'm new to the list. I did try searching the archives, but was unable to find
an answer to my question.
I have a '96 Dakota Sport 4X4 with just over 70K on it that does see
some offroad and snow use, but nothing serious. For some time it's had
a small growl that I attributed to road noise and tires. Lately, the
growl has increased in intensity and I've eliminated the tires as the
problem. The noise is definitely in the front differential, as I've
checked the U-Joints. I noticed a little oil leakage from the drivers
side axle flange so I checked the oil level in the diff. The level is
fine, but the oil contains some minute particles. I suspect that I've
got a bad axle bearing and it has chewed up the seal causing the slight
leak. I've got the Haynes manual and the bearing replacement procedure
doesn't seem that difficult, but would be time consuming for me. I'm
thinking that I should go ahead and replace the pinion, left, right, and
inner shaft bearings while I'm in there since there are particles in
the oil. Has anyone done this??
I'd considered going to the dealer, but since I've moved I've not found
one that I trust so therefore I'd like to do it myself if possible.
The problem with this is that the truck is my only transportation right
now and I'd like to minimize downtime.
I'm wanting to minimize any further damage until I can work this repair
into my schedule. From my way of thinking I should be able to pull the
half shafts and CV's quite easily. This would eliminate any further
wear on the front differential unit until I can find the time to repair
it since my front diff is turning regardless of being in 4 wheel drive.
Is this possible to do and still drive the truck. I'd be essentially
converting my 4X4 into a 4X2 for a short time. The wheel bearing/hub
assembly should be taking the load of the wheel and any torsional
forces?? Or does the axle nut for the half-shafts also supply retaining force
of the hub assembly??
Any suggestions??
Thanks,
-- John Pinnell St. Louis, MO jpinnell@primary.net
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