There should be a little movement on the up and down but not any on the side to side. When you rebuilt the rear wheel bearings, did you use new axle nuts on the hub? If not, you need to replace those. Our resident Col. Sanderz totaled his car because the person who rebuilt his rear wheel bearings on his 00’(?) SC/VP didn’t use new axle nuts and subsequently one of the rear wheels came off on a turn and went into an embankment. Complete shame but at least he’s ok. The rear wheel that doesn’t have any play, it sounds like it doesn’t have that small spacer in between the collar of the two bearings. It’s quite possible that you’ll have premature wheel bearing failure from being too tight.

 

Rocking it myself it looks to be at the fulcrum bearings. I see movement there.

 

The wheel with no play is not the problem. The wheel with play is my concern. No I did not replace the axle nuts. But they were torqued to spec.

 

Finally bit the bullet and sent her in to be hoisted up and see where there hum was coming from. Mechanic says pinion bearing. So I ask. Best place to purchase the bearing? And how bad of a job is it to do. Labour cost? Has anyone done this job? I assume diff has to come out. Does this mean droping the whole rear suspension amd sub frame? Thanks.

 

Btw I also replaced the fulcrum bearings myself on the side with side to side wheel play. They were dry and rusted and worn bad. No wheel play anymore.

 

Your best bet is to get a used diff.

 

i would pepper spray myself before i ever opened the front cover of one of these diffs let alone paid somebody to rebuild one

 

I agree that the best course is a good used differential.
There are too many things that could go south.