Rear end problems

BOBT

MEMBER
CHEVROLET ASTRO

I have a 2000 chevy astro van with a 4.3 litre engine. It's a automatic transmission with a 180,000 miles on drive train. Problem that is happening is it feels like the back axle on drivers side is moving. When you put it in gear it feels like its binding up. I don't know how to get at the wheel bearing to see if thats it if you could help me or tell me how to get at and change wheel bearing it would be greatly appreciated I have no money to leave a donation at this time but next time I maybe in a better situation hopefully anyway thats why im attempting this repair myself can't afford to pay a mechanic
greatly appreciated
bobby trotter

5 Replies

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

I would first get under the vehicle and check the u joints for play, if no play is found there, jack up the rear and secure with jack stands, remove the wheels then the drums and check for alxe movement, check those and get back to me and I will help you with the repairs you need

thanks, jim

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Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 AT 10:10 AM

BOBT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I did jack up van and took tire off and with vechicle in park I can take the hub and and turn it a little bit each way and there seems to be a little bit of binding in there when you do turn it back and fourth thats why I thought it may be a bad wheel bearing. I checked u-bolts but thet seem to be tight and show no sign of movement just cant seem to figure out how to check bearing or remove it for replacement.
Thank you
bobby trotter

ps// thank you also for replying so quick this is my personal vechicle and all I have to get back and fourth to work greatly appreciated

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Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 AT 10:27 AM

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

Move the hub up and down and back and fourth look for considerable amout of play, if you have none it may be spider gears or ring and pinion, to remove the axle bearing you will have to remove tthe rear diff cover, pull the carrier center pin and remove the c clip with a magnet and pull the axle straight out, then you will need a blind bearing puller with a slide hammer to get the bearing out, might be a good idea to remove the cover for inspection anyway, need more info let me know

thanks, jim

oh and if you are happy with the info please leave some feedback we all donate out time here helping people for free

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Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 AT 10:49 AM

BOBT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Did as you said and there were four little gears in the middle and looking at it the one on the left has lost most of its teeth took center pin out and pulled drive shaft out but didn't see the clip that you said I would have to take out with magnet going to get new gear is there any ticck to taking gear out and putting back in? I really appreciate this and if I could help you in anyway my e-mail is on my profile I do consruction work and all phases of it and am fully insured and would help anyway I can
thank you
bobby trotter

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Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 AT 11:48 AM

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

Yup the spider gears are gone, for thi you woulld have to pull the center pin, it has a small bolt on one end of the pin you may have to roate the carrier to find it, when you d smack it with a dead blow hammer a few times cause they get stuck, take out the bolt and let the pin slide out, also may have to rotate to get the pin out, once the pin is out push both axles inward and look inside the carrier ofr one clip on each axle this is what holds them in once axle clips are out the otehr gears will fall out wnd when the c clips are out pull the axles back out a little, oince you get started you will see what im taking about ad put all the info together, oh and hwen you grab your parts be sure to pick uo some brakeclean to wash oout the housing, (metal) if you dont you will have a good chance at ruining the carrier and pinion bearings

thanks, jim

oh and if you are happy with the info please leave some feedback we all donate out time here helping people for free