2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear pinion bearings

[corprimo]

We were on the last leg of a 10,000 mile trip with our 5th wheel - just crossed from Washington into British Columbia when I noticed a bit of noise from the rear differential. Checked the magnetic dip stick on my Mag Hitech cover and lots of little particles on there. I cleaned those particles off 4 times a day plus changed the gear lube 3 times over the next 6 days as the noise got louder and seal started leaking, and we did make it home. The question is, how often do those bearings and seal go out? Truck's at 116,000 miles with 32,000 miles of heavy towing plus quite a bit of snow plowing in the winter. The good thing is that the gears appear to be OK. Sure glad I have that Mag-Hitech cover!

 

[CumminsPower98]

It's not real common but it happens. More common is for the carrier side bearings to get loose on the carrier and then smash the shims out when towing heavy. I have seen this on one Dodge and several other trucks. My pinion seal was leaking at 67k when I bought my truck. I replaced the seal and all is well so far at 116k.