Well they rebuilt the front diff again. This time there was a chipped pinion bearing race. They also found they could not tighten down the pinion nut tight enough to crush the crush sleeve. Apparently the threads were stripped/pulled. I didn't get to see the pinion gear since it was after 5:00 when I picked the Jeep up. So I now have all new bearings and a new ring and pinion.
They are going to call me tomorrow so I can talk to the mechanic who worked on it. I want some info from him and you all here.
What could cause a pinion bearing race to chip? Incorrect installation, or something else? IF the pinion bearing was set up loose the last time because of bad threads could this cause the race to chip? I suppose if the bearings were loose enough it might chip a race. I'm wondering how the threads could be fine last time, and now bad. Last week when I was turning the front DS by hand to check the gear lash it seemed tight to me. It wasn't lash persay, I could actually feel the gear teeth slipping across each other.
I have to say the Jeep drives great now, I hope this is the end of this nightmare!
Dizzy isn't the word! I HATE having someone else do work for me....especially when I don't know much about WHAT their doing. I have a basic understanding about differentials but do NOT know enough to do the work myself. I come away always feeling I'm being screwed somehow.
BTW Rebecca, if you want a cowl induction hood get that skinflint husband to buy you one!
