[Toomanycars]

So Zuk92 developed a terrible noise that we have been thinking is the rear diff. It has also had leaking rear axle seals....anyway.. we finally bit the bullet and pulled it all apart and discovered when cleaning the VERY messy backing plates etc that the bearings seem loose and there is movement in every direction of the bearings on the axles. They wobble and move from side to side as well..They sound dry except for the degreaser that has gotten into them while cleaning the parts. Do the bearings pull up tight when it is assembled or are they stuffed. There is a collar that stops them from coming off. Can they be regreased if that collar is removed? I suspect that removing the collar is going to destroy it... My question is..... could it be stuffed bearings rather than the diff making the high pitched noise.. Anyone had bearings fail.. Sorry for stupid question but I am not familiar with these .. The only axle bearings I have ever seen are the sort that you can regrease with axle bolts that determine the tension on the bearings...

[sideways]

A friend of mine had the diff in his Sierra replaced years ago. As it turns out the noise was actually a dead rear wheel bearing.

Sierra rear bearings are a throw away type deal, you don't regrease. If they've got play in them or are noisy they're stuffed anyway and need replacing. Suzuki spec for thrust (in out) play is 0.8mm IIRC. They're a common failure, especially if you drive a lot of mud.

[bumstein]

Yep, your noise is more likely the axle bearings. Change them, they aren't meant to have a lot of play.

[Toomanycars]

Hhhmm ok.. It sees a lot of mud. These have been apart before as there is blue sealant between the backing plate and the housing. There is definately more than .8mm of movement there. I think we will do seals bearings and brakes and leave the diff alone , apart from new oil. I think I will get one of these kits..http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-x-Axle-Rea ... SwoA9Zgb3U ...Does this price seem ok...
I assume the collar and bearing both need to be cut off with grinder.. Is that correct. Also can I press the new bearings and collars on by using vise and brass hammer on the end of axle... or is there a better home remedy ??? I searched by the way but the post that was referred to was... "error..missing"

[sideways]

Download the factory workshop manual, it tells all.

But yeah you normally cut them off with a grinder and then bash the new one on with a long bit of pipe. Don't forget to put the backing plate on before you press the bearing on.

[bumstein]

Online auto parts have a set for around 200 clams, koyo Bearings.. I prefer to use koyo bearings and genuine seals. Cheap seals don't last!! And for the effort, get good bearings.

Check statewide Bearings (or whatever your local equivalent is) and seals from suzuki. Might be comparable in price

[Toomanycars]

Online have them on special for $85 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-Rear-Wheel ... 0005.m1851

[bumstein]

Spot on if it were me I'd contact them to find out the brand of bearings. But I'd still drop a few bucks on genuine seals