Rebuilding A GM 8.25 IFS Differential **56K Beware! Pic Heavy**

[garrett0_8]

Well, i took out the Differential and attached the axle tube and installed this weekend, sounded good saturday night and sunday morning. My wife took it out of town, and says its making a noise. I took a test drive this morning and there is a sound i'm not sure what yet. When i come to a stop its more of a winding down sound, almost like tires (could be, but i didnt' here this the day before) , maybe more mechanical. I plan to test drive again tonight. It's probably nothing, but i wonder is putting the new diff in might of awaken another problem, like CV joints? I did not replace the needle, i know..I Know.....there was only one i could see, and it looked and felt fine. Also when i poped the tube/axle out with a rubber mallet i assumed the snap ring stayed in the groove, because it was not on the shaft. When I put the shaft in, it did stop, and i had to smack it back in. Any thought????

 

[MXG286]

Hi, My name is Mike and I am new to the board. I must say this is a pretty impressive write up.

I have an issue with my front diff and the service station said its most likely a pinion bearing or axle bearing without opening the case. I plan on either 2 routes, replace the diff with a used with a 90 day on it or rebuild mine.

I have a question on the rebuild. If I am only changing bearings, and that would be all of them including races etc. will I need to reset/check the backlash? And do I need to pull the adjusters out and reset the carrier preload? Or can I just swap the bearings on the existing shims and close it up?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Bigredmariner]

Mike, welcome aboard.

Yes you will need to reset backlash and carrier preload when changing the bearings. Even though you may be re using the gears, try to set a used gear set up a little looser like say 0.008- 0.010 on backlash.

You may be able to get away with the same shims, but by all means check everything closely while putting it together.

 

[garrett0_8]

Update on the 2005 Cadillac Escalade (little late), sound went away after a couple of days! Not sure, maybe something was bound up or something, but its been fine since.

 

[tiny747]

Update: We had a really mild winter so I never had the chance to redo the bearings in my truck. But i finally got to them today. This write up came in extremely helpful. So far everything seems to be ok. No major sounds or anything. I haven't seen any oil under there but I haven't driven it a whole lot either. I ended up using Anaerobic sealant for sealing the cases. I purchased the red loctite but it seemed slightly runny for my tastes but the Anaerobic sealant was the same color (not that color matters) and a little thicker. Also my rebuild kit came with the seal for the case. I purchased the dealership seals and compared them. They both were made in the same country had the same part numbers and even had what looked to be the same yellowy white grease put in them. They where probably the same thing. I did use the dealership ones because I went through the effort of buying them and stuff but if I were to do it again I probably would just use the ones that came with the kit. I don't know why on some other thread they were warning about using aftermarket seals? Just thought I would finally give you guys an update.

 

[Black02Silverado]

Good to know info. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Brent]

Hi, I would like to add my experience on a 2011 8.25 IFS. Their are some changes to the way the carrier adjustment lock is designed. GM changed the tab to a "pot metal" ring that is very delicate. I broke one side trying to remove it. Also auto stores can't get them yet. So dealer item only.


So does anybody have a way to look up that part number?

 

[Bigredmariner]

Brent, thanks for adding the new info. We have a member who works in a dealership, MS3Dale, pm him with your question he should be able to help. If you get an answer I would appreciate you posting the additional info for future use. Thanks.

Sent from my pocket.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Hi, I would like to add my experience on a 2011 8.25 IFS. Their are some changes to the way the carrier adjustment lock is designed. GM changed the tab to a "pot metal" ring that is very delicate. I broke one side trying to remove it. Also auto stores can't get them yet. So dealer item only.


So does anybody have a way to look up that part number?

Would that be a pinion washer?

Sent from my Droid RAZR MAXX HD

 

[Brent]

Thanks but you have the rear diff pictured.

It's Between 3 (adjuster) & 4 (side shaft seal)