Rocket Man's 02 Denali Build Thread AKA "THE BEAST"

[Dantheman1540]

After watching @Doubeleive doing some maintenance and thinking about what I’ve replaced I realized the rear wheel bearings are original at 170k so I’m gonna replace them. This will also give me the chance to change out the Royal Purple gear oil with the ACDelco that’s specified. Thanks to @Jolly Roger for bringing this whole gear oil and Friction Modifier matter back into my psyche after I thought I had put fluid in that didn’t have any, only to find out the RP has it but it’s probably ok. I ordered ACDelco bearings, seals and gear oil and a Lube Locker gasket. There goes another $200 down the drain.

I don't ever see much about rear wheel bearings going out. But 170k is impressive especially with big wheels and big POWA!

 

[Doubeleive]

on my 00 the rear bearings started going out probably around 260k, several attempts to replace them resulted in persistent leaks it was still leaking when I sold it at 312k I figured it just needed a new rear end housing at that point

 

[ivin74]

After watching @Doubeleive doing some maintenance and thinking about what I’ve replaced I realized the rear wheel bearings are original at 170k so I’m gonna replace them. This will also give me the chance to change out the Royal Purple gear oil with the ACDelco that’s specified. Thanks to @Jolly Roger for bringing this whole gear oil and Friction Modifier matter back into my psyche after I thought I had put fluid in that didn’t have any, only to find out the RP has it but it’s probably ok. I ordered ACDelco bearings, seals and gear oil and a Lube Locker gasket. There goes another $200 down the drain.

@Rocketman

It would be nice if you did a DIY on the bearings, I've been wanting to do them as well. I heard it's a lot of work.

 

[Doubeleive]

@Rocketman

It would be nice if you did a DIY on the bearings, I've been wanting to do them as well. I heard it's a lot of work.

labor wise in a shop yes because you have to take the wheels off, take the brakes off, drain and remove the rear diff fluid and cover, pull the carrier, remove the axle pins, remove the axles, then you can get to the bearings. PRAY the new seal's don't leak and put it all back together. (not sure if you can the leave the carrier and just pull the axles or not I haven't actually done it but that's basically how it goes) basically it's a bunch of labor and little parts.

 

[Rocket Man]

labor wise in a shop yes because you have to take the wheels off, take the brakes off, drain and remove the rear diff fluid and cover, pull the carrier, remove the axle pins, remove the axles, then you can get to the bearings. PRAY the new seal's don't leak and put it all back together. (not sure if you can the leave the carrier and just pull the axles or not I haven't actually done it but that's basically how it goes) basically it's a bunch of labor and little parts.

I did one in my Silverado, it wasn’t too bad. Don’t need to pull the carrier, just axles. No need to pray the seals don’t leak just use an install tool or right size socket so they go in square. They’re not like the rear main- that’s the one you need to pray doesn’t leak since you have to install the transmission before you find out.

 

[Doubeleive]

I did one in my Silverado, it wasn’t too bad. Don’t need to pull the carrier, just axles. No need to pray the seals don’t leak just use an install tool or right size socket so they go in square. They’re not like the rear main- that’s the one you need to pray doesn’t leak since you have to install the transmission before you find out.

I say that because mine leaked and leaked again everytime I would have to go have it re-done, then of course it's warranty work so you have to wait a week to get scheduled in or drop it off and pick it up the next day or whatever.... I think the axle housing was worn because even with oem or very good aftermarket seals it still leaked, even tried new axles, still leaked. PIA

 

[Rocket Man]

Took a little drive in the woods today. The Upper Clackamas River is less than an hours drive from my place and it’s always awesome up there. A nice place to unwind.

 

[Bear77]

Need more pics!! That place seems nice and peaceful!


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[Rocket Man]

I finally got around to installing new rubber weatherstripping around my DS headlight. I took it off because the headlight was fogging so I needed to seal it with RTV last Winter. Anybody with a NBS Denali that hates the big gap around the headlights I highly suggest my mod. Here’s a link to the rubber. It just sticks on. I suggest marking the headlight where the hood line is with narrow masking tape so you know where you want the outside edge of the weatherstrip to end up and clean the area with alcohol before sticking it down.
M-D Building Products 1033 M-D 0... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1QHA8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Sam Harris]

Took a little drive in the woods today. The Upper Clackamas River is less than an hours drive from my place and it’s always awesome up there. A nice place to unwind.View attachment 254325View attachment 254326View attachment 254327View attachment 254325 View attachment 254326 View attachment 254328 View attachment 254329

Beautiful!