Wheel hub assembly or axel disconnect bearing?

[Xodus989]

So I've been having a hum while driving starting at about 15 mph and like most people I assumed it was the wheel hubs starting to go. Got it up and taken apart, but when I spin the hub with everything off, it doesn't spin super freely and is making a metal on metal sound towards the axel disconnect housing I believe. I took a video to show what it sounds like. Does this sound like an axel disco housing bearing? If so, how hard are they to replace?

I also noticed after I took off the passenger side that the lower CV boot was totally torn, so I'm going to need to replace both axle's. Is there any chance this would cause the humming?

And last but not least, does anyone have a good way to unseize a seized caliper slide? I really don't want to replace the whole caliper and deal with bleeding if I don't have to since I have minimal tools here.

Here's the video with the sound: Front axle noise

Also, here's the gd torn boot.



Bit of an insane question, I only paid 800 for this car. Is it possible to easily make it RWD only without the front axles? I'm going to be purchasing an new car in the next few months. I just moved to michigan and this was all I could afford until I got a job. I found the thread below. Is it workable to just remove the CV Axles and plug the hole somehow? I don't *need* 4WD here. I only have a few mile commute to work and it's on a main road. It's helpful, but I can go without it.

NEED HELP - Front wheel bearing or CV?

Since i first got my TB there has been the horrid shearing sound from the front left wheel area. It sounds like it wpuld be a wheel bearing, but the guy i bought it from said it's the C.V. axle and I've never heard a C.V. make this noise. Does anybody have insight for me?

gmtnation.com

 

[flyboy2610]

Yes, you can make it RWD. Just remove the CV axles from the front. The hubs don't need the axles to keep them together. The same hubs were used on 2WD models.
If you go RWD, you can remove the driveshaft from the T-case to the front differential as well.

Regarding your video, it does sound the noise my axle disconnect made the right inner bearing went out and wore a nasty groove on the gear.

 

[flyboy2610]

You can see the carnage here:

What did you do to your GMT today? [Part II]

Yesterday was time to give some love to the TB. Replaced the rear brakes with the rotors and pads I had kept from the Saab as they were basically new ACDelco when I scrapped it. The truck would pull to the left when the brakes were applied and the right rear rotor showed uneven rust on the...

gmtnation.com

 

[Mooseman]

Use a couple of Gatorade caps in the diff and disconnect holes to protect them if you, or a subsequent owner, wants to put it back in service.

 

[Xodus989]

Yes, you can make it RWD. Just remove the CV axles from the front. The hubs don't need the axles to keep them together. The same hubs were used on 2WD models.
If you go RWD, you can remove the driveshaft from the T-case to the front differential as well.

Regarding your video, it does sound the noise my axle disconnect made the right inner bearing went out and wore a nasty groove on the gear.

Use a couple of Gatorade caps in the diff and disconnect holes to protect them if you, or a subsequent owner, wants to put it back in service.

Awesome thanks guys. Good part too, is if I remove the front axles and the noise is fixed, I know what the issue is too! haha. I do plan on switching it back to 4wd when I have the money because it's nice to have an extra car once I get a new one. I just need to get to work on monday.

Are there any guides on how to remove the T-Case / Diff driveshaft? I've never done any drivetrain work outside of calipers, ball joints, and tie rods really.

 

[Mooseman]

It's very simple. Remove the 4 front u-joint strap bolts, pry off of diff yoke and pry the shaft off front transfer case shaft. Maybe put a bunch of grease on that splined shaft to prevent rusting. Pull the #8 fuse to prevent shifting the TC to 4x4.

You can leave the driveshaft in place. Won't make any difference. Just don't shift it into 4x4. Pulling the #8 fuse will prevent that. You should replace the transfer case fluid. It has a short 50k mile service interval and neglecting it can damage the TC regardless if you use it or not.

 

[flyboy2610]

For the T-case, do not use anything except GM Auto Trak II fluid. It is the only fluid that will work correctly. I get it at NAPA.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/AC_104017

 

[Xodus989]

It's very simple. Remove the 4 front u-joint strap bolts, pry off of diff yoke and pry the shaft off front transfer case shaft. Maybe put a bunch of grease on that splined shaft to prevent rusting. Pull the #8 fuse to prevent shifting the TC to 4x4.

You can leave the driveshaft in place. Won't make any difference. Just don't shift it into 4x4. Pulling the #8 fuse will prevent that. You should replace the transfer case fluid. It has a short 50k mile service interval and neglecting it can damage the TC regardless if you use it or not.

Copy, I'll just pull that fuse and replace the transfer case fluid tomorrow. I doubt it's ever been done.

Thanks again!

Edit: If I can get the proper fluid at least.