Q: Rear pinion has a lot of play in it.

asked by on December 31, 2016

I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport with a Chrysler 8.25 axle in the back. I was driving it when it started making this god awful noise in the back. It happened over 10 mph and when I was braking or just coasting. When I was accelerating it stopped. I took the drive shaft off and checked the U-Joints which were good. When I pulled on the rear pinion it wiggled a lot with barely any effort. I removed the pinion yoke and the seals but that's as far as I could get by myself. What could be causing the rear pinion to move around and how could I fix it?? Thank you so much in advance!!

My car has 180000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Grinding sound from transmission Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The pinion engages with a ring gear and the other end of the pinion is supported on a tapered roller bearing. If there is any radial play in the pinion itself, there is a problem with the bearing and/or the engagement with the ring gear. If indeed there is an internal mechanical breakage or bearing fault, the rear axle will have to be completely disassembled. Re-assembly requires careful attention to backlash, preload, bearing and shim adjustments and you need a bearing press if you are replacing the bearing. Before doing anything, and to simply confirm that disassembly will be required, you should request a noise diagnostic. If it is determined that the axle will have to be disassembled and repaired, in some locales certified Mechanics dispatched by YourMechanic are equipped for such major on location repairs so you should inquire based on your locale.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Gas gauge not working.
You're correct, the problem could be with the wiring. However, the improper reading may also be due to a faulty sending unit or gauge. A technician well versed in electronic troubleshooting, such as one form YourMechanic, will be able to...
Gas leak
If the vehicle is leaking fuel, I would stop driving it immediately, and have it serviced as soon as possible. Gasoline is highly flammable, and therefore it is not safe to drive a vehicle that is leaking fuel. I would...
Hard brake pedal
Your vacuum pump should not be leaking and should be replaced. The brake booster and booster check valve should be checked to see if they are holding vacuum or if they leak, causing the vacuum motor to run too often....
Knocking noise valve clatter
Hello. It's quite possible, even likely, that the crankshaft bearing journals are worn out of specification. Replacing the rod bearings only does not compensate for a worn crankshaft rod (or main) bearing journal. It's also possible the oil pump pressure/volume...
Why am I having trouble getting fuel to go into my tank?
This is likely related to your EVAP emissions system and something called a purge solenoid. The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The EVAP system collects and temporarily stores the fuel vapors...
Slight smell of gas or oil and poorer mpg fuel efficiency
This may be a result of a faulty oxygen sensor. As you may know the oxygen sensors which are part of your emissions system read exhaust gases to determine whether or not the appropriate amount of oxygen is present in...
I am seeing smokes from my muffler in 57 degrees weather?
The repairs that were performed would not be implicated as a cause in any engine smoking that is visible in the exhaust. Some smoke at start up can be normal, particularly white smoke from condensation. However, continuous smoking after the...
1ZZ-FE Comparison for Japan & USA
The engine uses identical parts excepting that, from model to model and year to year, there were differences in the design of the exhaust manifold, intake manifold and ECU (PCM or ECM). You can input your VIN number at a...
When stopped in Drive, the car vibrates. You can especially hear and feel the vibration mostly in the back of the car 2002 Infiniti I35
Hello - I would be suspicious of an exhaust system hanger (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-exhaust-system-hanger) which has gone weak, and is allowing the exhaust to bump into the chassis at an idle. It is also possible that the fuel pump is wearing out,...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Though Though the Jeep Grand Cherokee is not a new model, it got a complete redesign in 2011, and the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee saw even more improvements. While other SUV manufacturers have sat on their laurels, Jeep has done...
The Best Used Cars to Buy to Maximize Resale Value
A A car is not an investment. An investment, by definition, increases in value. A car is a necessary purchase, and it will never appreciate in value, with the possible exception of classics and antiques. So, as a used car...
Top Five Selling Cars in Colorado in 2012
Colorado Colorado offers a varied climate depending on where drivers are located. Those in lower elevations see plenty of sunshine all year, while those in the mountain areas can see as much as 300 inches of snow. Due to this,...