Needle bearing labor

If you don't have the vibration (yet) then that doesn't help OP. Haha

 

ehh I disagree, it shows OP that while most need the needle bearing replaced for the ECGS bushing not all need it right away.

 

I usually charge $200-$250 for the labor. Have done a bunch of them. $500 labor is crazy.

I always recommend topping off or drain and refill of the front diff.

 

Indefinitely. It's just a NVH issue. I haven't seen any reports of the needle bearing actually going bad. (Though often the puller tool will damage the bearing on removal.)

 

I've seen a few pictures of the needle bearing in pieces before removed from the diff

 

I got the bushing and seal in today but working nights all weekend. I’ll keep y’all posted on my outcome lol. Thanks for the input everyone!

 

I got a similar 500$ quote to do this on my 2nd gen - dude was telling me they had to pull the diff or some nonsense; then I realized ECGS was a little over an hour from where I live so I emailed them and made an appointment - it was 150$ if I recall - I had already gotten the bushing and seal from them; just took the parts with me.
I was in/out in a little under 2hr.

They were super helpful, super kind and I can't say enough good things -
I had some vibration only when it was cold out, between 30-40MPH that disappeared with 4WD engaged; I was paranoid about it turning into a big mess - the lead time for the appointment was a few months but they assured me based on how I described the vibration/driving demands - that I would be fine and of course they were correct.
I had them give me the worn bearing and you can feel the play in it but it was fully intact and a long way from going kaboom.

I considered doing it myself but at the time, this was a much more palatable solution given everything I had going on.

 

Link to said pictures?

 

Very helpful, thanks

 

be picky where you take it. my trusted mechanic f-ed mine up, then pinched the seal re-installing the axle. Ended up having to order a brand new axle to fix the problem. Then the dealership pinched the seal re-installing the brand new axle so they hade to pull it back out to replace the seal.

 

I drove on mine for 10k, mainly because I’m lazy, before I did it.

If you’re in SC, I’ll do it for you for free if you wanted to link up. Wouldn’t be the first Home Depot parking lot mod day I’ve had. All you’d need is the bushing, Yukon or ECGS (same thing). I recommend a new seal, can be had at any parts store, and we’d be in business. Prob wouldn’t hurt to take care of your dif oil while we are at it.

 

Thanks but I’m in Louisiana lol. Lil to far to drive! But yes I’m doing the seal and the oil also.

 

^If it's the first time in 7 years the CV axle is pulled from the diff, it may fight you on the way out. There are a few threads and YouTube videos on this. For me, prying the CV cup with a big pry bar against the diff housing was the only method that worked to pop the circlip out of its detent. Then hammering the prybar against the notches on the CV cup, I was able to drive the CV cup out the rest of the way. Make sure you have a ~24" pry bar and the truck is jacked up high enough to use it.

Pulling the needle bearing out with the ECGS puller tool took less than 10 minutes. Hammering the bushing in with the ECGS driver tool took a lot longer.

Likewise, if it's the first time in 7 years the front diff drain plug is removed, it may be rust seized. There are a few threads on this.

 

Hammering out the CV axle worked instantly for me. Using a large screw driver with a metal end on the handle and a 3 lb sledge. i also used the same method to seat it but lighter taps.

 

Anywhere in the northeast that can do it? I’d drive if it’s worth it. I can’t do any type of work in my apartment parking garage.

 

speaking from experience of working in apartment parking garage or lots they dont mind unless it takes you more than a day. Bonus points for parking next to a non space/ hc van accessibility that can give you layout room for your tools.

 

The management definitely minds here, plus I have no space sandwiched between two cars.

 

if you're doing it yourself and you replace the seal (which i suggest doing) take a good look at the depth of the current seal. If you drive it in too far it will leak oil and you'll have to redo it. Ask me how I know about this lol

 

10000x this lol

 

Again, thanks! Merry Christmas everyone!