2001 Suburban 1500. One day the rear differential started a loud clanking, forward or reverse, and would not move. Opened up the cover. What I see is a bearing on the right side of the yoke exposed. It's cover ring is loose. I can see the bearing rollers. Ideas as to repair approach?

 

Can you get it to a drivetrain specialist shop? I’m thinking you’ll need to pull the gear set and get the bearings replaced, probably on both sides.

 

That sounds serious. I think it's going to need to be replaced or, if the housing isn't damaged, rebuilt. These 9th gen rear ends don't impress me all that much.

 

Hello everyone,
Yes indeed it is serious. As you may know I can remove the differential yoke and go from there in an evaluation and rebuild, but that requires pulling the axles. I am very curious if anyone has seen/heard of the right diff bearing coming apart and what caused it. For me, it's a little confusing to understand why there can be extra space inside the differential. The gears inside have taken a little abuse, but not bad since I shut the engine down right away.