Hi, My mechanic replaced the pinion seal, but he told me the pinion bearing is corroded and needs to be replaced. He doesn't do enough of these to feel confident about it. Can anyone recommend a good place to get my pinion bearing replaced in New England? Preferrably in MA? I would think the Massholes go through a lot of rearend work, any recommendations?
pinion bearing I assume that is the outer bearing, because of the leak? Correct? You can do that your self. Remove the seal. The whole rear will most likely need to be disassembled. That bearing has a light press fit to it also. Not as much press on as the inner, but still pressed. pull the axles... remove the carrier caps IMPORTANT!!!( be sure to mark all the pieces shims driver passenger even the way the caps go on.) drop out the carrier. Now you can push the pinion out. Use a bunch of shop rags for a cushion for the pinion gear teeth inside of the housing when the gear comes out. Take a large center punch or anything that will fit in the end of the pinion centering hole (yoke spline end) and tap with a 4lbs. hammer do not be afraid to hit it! It may pop right out and it may take some doing...But it will come out. Now the outer pinion bearing can be put on. and you can reassemble every thing back together. Hopefully the new bearing will be pretty darn close in specs and will not affect the crush sleeve ...I have done this plenty of times and have not had a problem. Not to say it could not happen to you, But I think it is worth a shot... even to experience it and know what it takes to do. Good luck, Jim
There is a shop in Wakefield called Montrose Machine. He just rebuilt a rear axle for me. Great work, known them for a long long time. I think the number is (781)246-1082. Ask for Darryl. They also do fantastic driveshaft work. -Bob Cunningham
I'm a bit late on this, but call South Shore Bearing in Quincy if the above doesn't pan out, they should know a local place, if they don't do it themselves
A good friend of mine, John Sansoucy, rebuilds rearends and manual transmissions out of Worcester. He recently purchased New England Dyno and Tuning http://www.nedyno.com/ (508) 752-5557 They have a lift and can do all types of repairs, upgrades as well as chassis dyno testing. John is a perfectionist and mechanical engineer with a masters degree. I don't trust anyone else with my ring and pinions. In years past I've used Montrose for Driveshafts. One of their guys, Dave Johnston left a few years back and started North Shore Axle and Machine in North Reading. I had him do the last few driveshafts for me. -Michael
