I am being told by a well known corvette rebuilder that once you take a ring and pinion apart for rebuild it is next to impossible to reinstall without the rear making some noise either under acceleration or coast. Is it true that once these gears are broke in with a wear pattern just being off by .002 with set up they can make a noise? This rebuilder always wants to install a new ring and pinion when he overhauls. Any opinions are appreciated.
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Re: Corvette rear axle
Tim-----
The rebuilder is correct. You will often get some noise after a rebuild. Whether the noise will be objectionable is another matter. Usually, it won't be and some noise is quite normal. Also, most replacement ring and pinion gearsets will be just as noisy from the "get go". This is generally true for Richmond Gear gearsets and less so for those manufactured by U.S. Gear.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Corvette rear axle
I used to have a '78 Chevy van that at around 170,000 miles, I took the rear apart and installed new bearings and seals trying to quiet some of the noise that had been there its entire life. Same gears. At 290,000 miles, I sold it. The noise was about the same, and maybe slightly quieter.
As to Corvette rear ends, where did you get a Corvette so quiet that rear end noise is a factor? If so, install sidepipes.
Just use the old gears unless they are worn out. As long as you aren't drag racing every weekend, road racing it in 3 hour or more events, and haven't let the fluid run dry, then I doubt the gears are shot.
The rebuilder is just doing basic coverage for himself. If the old part fails, he eats it. If the new part fails, he can probably get a warranty. And there is not a rebuilder out there than can predict what may happen with a customer's car once it leaves the shop.Comment
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Re: Corvette rear axle
Joe and Mike,
The person I spoke with is Pat Ikerd and he said there procedure is to always change the ring and pinion because of the noise issue. The rear I am looking for needs to be a early dated 3.36 for my 63 coupe. They have the cases and assemble with the later Eaton posi unit and new ring and pinion gears. To me they seem a little pricey but they stand behind there work. Is there anyone that has had any experence with Ikerd's and are they satisfied with there work? Is there any difference in the pinion flange other than the fine spline for the new gearsets? Thanks as always, TimComment
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Re: Corvette rear axle
I can't imagine having to replace the ring and pinion gears as a standard procedure just for a rebuild unless they're severely worn, galled, have tooth damage, have been run without lube, or defy achieving a proper contact pattern and backlash for some mechanical reason. Hypoid gears are pretty much bulletproof unless they've been dragstrip-abused or run without lube.Comment
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Re: Corvette rear axle
If it were me, I'd drive what I had in there until I could find a correct case. Then I would build it myself. It isn't rocket science, just careful work. There were literally millions of rear ends built each year (in the Chevrolet line alone) so there wasn't time for someone to spend weeks adjusting which seems to be indicated by the price some rebuilders charge.
If you look through old Hot Rod magazines from the '70s, there were many articles on building rear ends and for the Corvette.
If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, find your local club. Odds are at least one person has done it and is willing to help you. If not, let us know where you are as there might be someone around that is reasonably close who can help.
Just my 2 cents.Comment
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Re: Corvette rear axle
I disagree. In fact, I recommend using the original GM ring and pinion whenever possible, which is most likely the case for most rebuilds unless the teeth show excess wear or damage. Also, anecdotal evidence indicates that current aftermarket gear sets (OEM from GM are not longer available) tend to be noisier.
Even with new pinion bearings, the drive pinion shim will likely NOT need to be changed, so pinion depth will end up the same and you can set backlash at the pre-tear down value, which will orient the ring and pinion the same as before.
An article in the current Corvette Restorer discusses this issue in detail.
DukeComment
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