Front diff pinion bearing replacement

[zzsteve]

Have noticed increasing front diff whine over recent months. I checked front UJ today and found ~0.5mm run out on the rear (nose cone) flange. I assume this means the pinion bearing is worn and causing the noise. I saw no oil leaking.
Is it possible to retract axles, undo the 15mm bolt and access the bearing without taking out the whole nose cone/diff housing?
Is this wishful thinking?
Is it easier to just source a second hand or recon diff?

TIA
Steve '97 HSE

[Red90]

No. The races are pressed in.

[Tins]

If you have excessive movement of the pinion then it's likely not in mesh with the crownwheel properly, hence the whine. If you plan on taking the axles out then you might as well drop the diff and fix it properly. Beware, it's got a bit of weight to it.

If you are game, or the budget is a little tight, you can probably do it yourself if you have the tools. Get a copy of RAVE if you don't have one, as most of the manuals you can get don't cover this ( Haynes etc. ). Plenty of YT vids to give you the basics.

This is just my personal take. I haven't done this job on a D2. Done a couple of Series back in the day, couple of Holden and FIAT, and my D1. Take your time, follow the book. Or, just take it out and take it to a diff shop. There are a few not too far from you. Helps if you have a second car..... Also, I'm not saying that changing the bearings (2, not 1) won't quiet it, but if you are going to take it apart to that degree then, well.... Do it sooner rather than later, or you'll need a new C&P.

This bloke knows his stuff. Hopefully you won't need to go to these entire lengths, but you will gain a lot of knowledge watching.


https://youtu.be/lRD-JqeJl60'si=v1pv7FYtWz5hC1Sf

[zzsteve]

Or, just take it out and take it to a diff shop. There are a few not too far from you.

Thanks ++ that's all good advice.
Any suggestions/recommendations for diff shops?

Steve

[Tins]

Thanks ++ that's all good advice.
Any suggestions/recommendations for diff shops?

Steve

I don't know any of them up there from personal experience. Probably just pick one I guess. Western Suburbs diff service in Breadwell st Rocklea is possibly the closest. V8Ian might know more. He lives up there and owned trucks so he may have better knowledge of who is good.

(Or, Dave [Blknight.aus] pops up there sometimes. He's just the bloke to pop in and give you a hand, and he's good. Right, Dave..?[bigwhistle])