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View Full Version : R&R Rear Axle

Mike B
06-28-2006, 08:03 PM
Took my H3 in on Monday for a few issues (cracked roof rails, jack, stab failure warning, rattles). I also had been hearing a faint whining from either the rear axle, drive shaft or transfer case. The dealer checked the axle and noted "excessive" metal debris when they drained the fluid and pulled the cover. They noted large flakes of metal peeling off the gearing (I think this is the lapping compound issue related to eariler rear axles--mine made it 10k). Well, now I get me a new rear axle, in about a week (better not try and slip in a non-locker:D)--as well as rails and jack.

Dealer through in a new battery-less Hummer flash light (got to shake the damn thing for 30 seconds to get 5 min of light)--seems inefficient.:cool:
bjc
06-28-2006, 08:25 PM
A couple of questions to complete your entry into a growing database...

Do you know the build date of your vehicle?
Automatic or 5-spd?
Mike B
06-28-2006, 08:53 PM
Automatic. Don't know build date, but took delivery 10/1/05.
HummerHippy
06-28-2006, 10:00 PM
As I try to make up my mind what to purchase, there is a 5sp - Adventure Pkg H3 on dealer's lot. But I know it has been there since early Oct 2005. So I worry about the rear differential issue. Plus, I wonder how much 'true' offroading I'd do, and perhaps only need a non adventure H3.
humma_H3
06-28-2006, 10:42 PM
NON ADVENTURE PKG??? thats crazy talk.


matt
cincy oh
HIHUMMER
06-28-2006, 10:59 PM
As I try to make up my mind what to purchase, there is a 5sp - Adventure Pkg H3 on dealer's lot. But I know it has been there since early Oct 2005. So I worry about the rear differential issue. Plus, I wonder how much 'true' offroading I'd do, and perhaps only need a non adventure H3.

I said the exact same thing in regards to needing the Adventure Package...hindsight is 20/20. I love to wheel...and I'm a girly girl....noone would have ever expected it.:D
If you can afford the extra $$$....go w/ the Adventure...IMOH.

AND...check the build date before you buy!!!!
Sewie
06-28-2006, 11:19 PM
NON ADVENTURE PKG??? thats crazy talk.


x2!! Buy it. DO NOW!!! :mad: :D
HummBebe
06-28-2006, 11:59 PM
Yeah!!!

What he said:D
HummerHippy
06-29-2006, 02:42 AM
I know! I know! I should just get off my arse and do it!
Anyone know off hand what the build date is I should be looking for, after which they fixed the rear diff lap compoiund issue? I guess I could do a search and try to find it.
And now is the time to buy, with $1500 off the adv pkg version! What AM I waiting for? :confused:
HummBebe
06-29-2006, 02:53 AM
August '05
HummerHippy
06-29-2006, 03:01 AM
August '05
really? So after Aug, we're pretty safe. Hmmm. That's close. How long does it take to build a 3 and get to thew dealers? 6-8 weeks? That's right around Aug.
so close I could touch it!
Mike B
06-29-2006, 03:18 AM
Based on my current opinion of the H3, I would not hestiate to purchase an H3 even with the early build date--as long as there is a warranty available. Hummer service is probably the best I've ever experienced (been through Jeep, Toyota, VW, BMW and Mercedes). It was the service department's decision to R&R the axle, not mine.
Hmmm2
06-29-2006, 03:21 AM
MIKE B .. just trying to see if that 'slight whining' sound is the same as mine. When I accelerate .. seems to be when I'm turning, too ... I hear a whine. If I let off the gas, the whine sound is lower, when go back up on the gas, it increases. I don't think I hear it all of the time. Maybe I have the music up too loud. What did you have to do to hear that whine? Thanks.
HIHUMMER
06-29-2006, 03:28 AM
Humm3..that's seem very simliar to what I had when I had to have the front R&P replaced....:o
Mike B
06-29-2006, 03:37 AM
MIKE B .. just trying to see if that 'slight whining' sound is the same as mine. When I accelerate .. seems to be when I'm turning, too ... I hear a whine. If I let off the gas, the whine sound is lower, when go back up on the gas, it increases. I don't think I hear it all of the time. Maybe I have the music up too loud. What did you have to do to hear that whine? Thanks.
Yes, that what it sounds like. Mine was intermitent at first and with my old man ears, it was difficult to distinguish where the sound oringinated. But, over time it gets louder.
westhillsat
06-29-2006, 04:29 AM
As I try to make up my mind what to purchase, there is a 5sp - Adventure Pkg H3 on dealer's lot. But I know it has been there since early Oct 2005. So I worry about the rear differential issue. Plus, I wonder how much 'true' offroading I'd do, and perhaps only need a non adventure H3.

As they say in hind sight, if I had to do it again, I would get the adventure package.

It would just be good to know the rear locker is there if you need it.
Hmmm2
06-29-2006, 04:51 AM
I hate to admit it, but I haven't off-roaded mine yet. Straight street driving (I know, I know ...). Would I have had to do something to it (front R & P / R & R Rear Axle) for it to be making this whine sound, or, is it just defective? Mannnn .... I love my H3, but it has gone in so many times already for different things. :mad:
startin\' young
06-29-2006, 01:11 PM
NON ADVENTURE PKG??? thats crazy talk.


matt
cincy oh

hey humma h3, do u go offroading in your h3. if so i live in between dayton and cincinnati, where do u go wheelin at. ever been to haspen.
HummerHippy
06-29-2006, 01:43 PM
So, can any GM affiliated folks out here look up an H3 build date if I get you the VIN?
HummerNewbie
06-29-2006, 01:50 PM
There are several here that could look it up. You can also get a rough idea by looking at the date (month/year) on the sticker in the lower right corner of the driver door jam.
Hmmm2
06-29-2006, 06:33 PM
I think I missed something here ... did someone say the rear axle problem is more prevalent with H3 build dates PRIOR to August, 05 .. but not build dates AFTER 8/05? Thanks.:confused:
HummerHippy
06-29-2006, 06:42 PM
Yes. From what I have read for the past year on this issue, early H3 builds (before aug 05) had this issue. It was caught and corrected after mid Aug. 2005.
Hmmm2
06-29-2006, 08:49 PM
HummerHippy ... axle probs in adventures only? Or, automatics, too? I have an automatic. Thanks!:confused:
HummerHippy
06-29-2006, 09:03 PM
HummerHippy ... axle probs in adventures only? Or, automatics, too? I have an automatic. Thanks!:confused:

Hmm, me the expert on this?:confused: Nope. :)

Understand that I don't own one yet, and only have info that I have read here for the past year. If you do a search on "lapping compound" you'll get about 10 threads. There is some good/useful info there. I think the issue affected both base and adventure rear differentials (if there is a difference between the two, dunno), and I believe if can affect 4sp (auto) and 5sp (man) transmissions. A couple of the replys in those threads are from the GM connected folks on this forum. So, very helpful and, what I feel, very reliable, honest, no B.S.
Some threads talked about a rear diff whine/noise that could start after 500-600 miles, but if I remember, i think most, who had the issue, started...I can't remember, after 1000 or 1500 miles. Or it could be more. Sorry I don't remember. Hope that helps.
NoMoGMPG
06-29-2006, 09:24 PM
MIKE B .. just trying to see if that 'slight whining' sound is the same as mine. When I accelerate .. seems to be when I'm turning, too ... I hear a whine. If I let off the gas, the whine sound is lower, when go back up on the gas, it increases. I don't think I hear it all of the time. Maybe I have the music up too loud. What did you have to do to hear that whine? Thanks.

What you are describing sounds like Ring and Pinion gear noise resulting from either too much/too little pinion depth, or excessive backlash. In either case, it isn't normal and should be taken care of as it will only get worse.