Diffrential Axle yokes movement
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7th Gear
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 7
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From: Gilbert, Az
Diffrential Axle yokes movement
Had a noise around the rear and decided to replace a universal on one of my half shafts that had minor movement. . With the wheels off the ground I grabbed the bottom and top of both wheels and checked for movement. BOth sides had movement and there was visible movement of the RH Yoke going into the differential.I would guess 1/16 of an inch (onlt minor movement on the left) What coudl cause that? There is noise coming from the rear of the car, suspect ii is the rear, It is kinda like the sound of a distant helicopter Ie it is NOT a consistent pitch constant sound. Based on that movement and the sound I called a local differential shop and asked for a price to rebuild and change gears from 336 to 370. Said 890 and that included replacing that RH yoke. What could be wrong with the yoke that cuases the in and out play? If I can get out of rebuilding it I will but if there is anything suspect I will just rebuild.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
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From: Catlett VA
There is a snap ring on the end of the splined half shaft inside the differential. It is supposed to limit the in/out movement of the shaft. If the snap ring has come off or if the end of the shaft is worn, it will allow movement. On my 68 convert the driver side half shaft snap ring had come off the groove in the end of the splined shaft and was lying in the bottom of the diff case. The half shaft moved in/out about 1/8 inch before I fixed it. Hope your repair shop knows how to properly install the ring and how to check it, otherwise it will come off again after you put everything back together.
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You should put a dial indicator on it to get a good measurement. There is no OEM Gm measurement for run out on this part. There is alot of threads on it and I have about the same as you and its been fine. Newly installed the people that build them like Toms wants .002-.006 but .005 to .015 was factory. They use 1/16 inch play as an example and its negligable.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...h-friends.html post #6. So thats not going to be an issue for you.......
BUT the helicopter noise can be the sound of a bearing going bad and it could be the trailing arm. If you can pull the half shafts and spin the diff and the wheel hubs you might hear it but it may not be louod enough at this point with out load on the bearing. If the gears where bad I think you would hear it pretty distinctly. I wouldnt throw any money at it yet until you determine the cause becuase it could cost you double what your bid is now. The other solution is find a second rearend that has 3.70's in it already. I picked up one for $400 but you have to shop on craigslist, Facebook marketplace and ebay for a used one. IF one shows up on our for sale section it wont last ong so you have to look every couple of hours or post a WTB
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...h-friends.html post #6. So thats not going to be an issue for you.......
BUT the helicopter noise can be the sound of a bearing going bad and it could be the trailing arm. If you can pull the half shafts and spin the diff and the wheel hubs you might hear it but it may not be louod enough at this point with out load on the bearing. If the gears where bad I think you would hear it pretty distinctly. I wouldnt throw any money at it yet until you determine the cause becuase it could cost you double what your bid is now. The other solution is find a second rearend that has 3.70's in it already. I picked up one for $400 but you have to shop on craigslist, Facebook marketplace and ebay for a used one. IF one shows up on our for sale section it wont last ong so you have to look every couple of hours or post a WTB
