Adjust front diff backlash 2013 Suburban

[George B]

I haven’t dealt with this yet but I am thinking about it again. I am contemplating dropping the front diff out and adjusting the backlash to see if it quiets up. Bonus if it does. I would only be out $100 and my time.

But…
There is a part of me that says if the diff is out just install a reman and forget it. That’s $800.

Not sure.

 

[exp500]

Pic isn't the greatest for me, is the pinion depth correct? I would try that 1st.
We know it's in good hands with you.

 

[George B]

Pic isn't the greatest for me, is the pinion depth correct? I would try that 1st.
We know it's in good hands with you.

I don’t know. I have never had it open. I noted in the service history that it had bearings replaced at around 38k. I noted was noisy and low on lube when I used 4wd the first time.

 

[George B]

This came full circle this weekend. I noted I didn’t have functioning four wheel drive. I assumed the actuator in the front axle was bad until I saw a puddle of gear oil on the floor. The right side axle had come loose from the snap ring and walked out of the housing.

Upon closer inspection After disassembly I found that the snap ring had worn through the washer inside the extension housing.


I also saw that the adjuster retainer was broken in several places on the right side.
I rounded up a new washer, a pair of seals, two adjuster retainers and an extension housing gasket. Once I placed the new washer in the housing I noticed that I couldn’t tighten the extension housing without it binding the shaft by pinching the snap ring into the washer. I welded some tabs onto socket so I could turn the adjusters and reset the lash as best I could for a used axle. That moved the carrier over far enough to allow the extension housing assembly to be installed and allowed for a little end play for the right axle shaft. The rest went together without a hitch and it now runs smooth and quiet.

Whoever was in here before was incompetent!

 

[George B]

Pic of the retainers properly installed

 

[George B]

The backlash before I started.

 

[89Suburban]

Good job buddy!

 

[Geotrash]

Well done! That's a job I would've farmed out, so it's very cool to see you get it done. Any tips for those of us who might have to tackle it in the future?

 

[George B]

Well done! That's a job I would've farmed out, so it's very cool to see you get it done. Any tips for those of us who might have to tackle it in the future?

Thanks, I considered farming it out for a long time. The things that led me to go ahead and try it was the failure and the style of adjusters it has. I was not interested in working with the stupid little tabs they used to lock the adjusters in the older units but I would have. It only meant I would have to split the case. These made it easy. My hand was forced to attempt this repair when I was out a vehicle without much to lose.

I have alot of shade tree experience with stuff like this even though I may not come across that way. When I was younger I never shied away from something like this. I will spend copious amounts of time going over a job so I know what it will take.

For tips, I would say if someone lacks experience getting the tools you need like a dial indicator and a needle pointed inch pound torque wrench would be good. I have neither at the moment but could borrow/buy them if needed. I did this by “feel” and am confident in my work. Not having a tool to turn the adjusters would have been a deal breaker. I made one real quick but now I need to replace that socket. I would say not to overcomplicate the repair. Watch a bunch if videos and read a bunch of stuff. Then go get dirty.

 

[George B]

My home made tool for the adjuster nuts.