Carrier Bearing

[scottmcd]

My carrier bearing is going to crap. Is it an easy fix, and should it be going out @ 96K. I have already replaced 2 u-joints (45k), and both front hub bearing assemblies (67k). TIA... Scott

 

[klenger]

The carrier bearing on my 2001. 5 went out at 1000 miles. Different truck, but ...



The dealer replaced the entire drive shaft and I was back in business in 1 day.

 

[Troll]

This type of repair is generally considered moderate to difficult for new mechanics to do. It really is straight forward though. Setting the pinion depth and backlash are the 2 things that generally are done wrong by a first timer. There are a few tools that are required also, like a dial indicator, larger than "normal" sockets, and the corporate rear-ends also require a special side bearing tool (used to adjust backlash and side-preload). Although this special tool can be fabricated fairly easily in a pinch.



Just be sure to replaced the bearing races also.



I doubt that the carrier bearings went out because of the u-joints, but the reason behind the u-joint failure may cause excessive wear on the carrier.

 

[JGheen]

This type of repair is generally considered moderate to difficult for new mechanics to do. It really is straight forward though. Setting the pinion depth and backlash are the 2 things that generally are done wrong by a first timer. There are a few tools that are required also, like a dial indicator, larger than "normal" sockets, and the corporate rear-ends also require a special side bearing tool (used to adjust backlash and side-preload). Although this special tool can be fabricated fairly easily in a pinch.



Just be sure to replaced the bearing races also.



I doubt that the carrier bearings went out because of the u-joints, but the reason behind the u-joint failure may cause excessive wear on the carrier.

He is refering to the driveshaft carrier bearing or center bearing as some others have called it.



Replacing the carrier bearing is easy if you have a press as the bearing is pressed onto the driveshaft. My carrier went out @ about 150K on my '98 and the bearing ended up being fine just the rubber insulator went to crap and the whole assembly would really move up and down pretty good.

I would probably have the dealer do it but you should be able to find the parts for cheaper than what the dealer would give them to you for. Quad 4x4 should have the parts you need, not sure what parts he has for the 3rd gen trucks though.



Joe

 

[Cattletrkr]

Mine went out at 55K, but upon inspection of the factory u-joint, I found it (the joint) had been bad all along. Cured my launch chudder.

 

[bighammer]

How much should it move around? When I get under the truck and grab the driveshaft, I can wiggle it up and down and side to side. It doesn't make any noise or vibration, (that I can tell ) but I wonder what the limits are.

I un-bolted it to put in my train horns. (They're above the driveshaft and exhaust and were just a little too big to get in there without pulling something apart) It seems to be intact and spins well, it just seems like the rubber should hold it tighter.

 

[jwilliams3]

Loose is normal.