Bearings and Shafts Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Pontiac Aztek, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 2003 Chevrolet Venture, and 2003 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Inspecting Gears For Abnormal Wear

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Inspecting Flange Sealing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Inspect the flange sealing surface (1) for wear, damaged bolt threads (2) and worn or damaged splines (3).
Inspect the drive and driveshafts for the following:

Fig 3: Inspecting Drive And Drive Shafts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Worn gear teeth (1)
- Worn or scored driveshaft sealing surface (2)
- Worn or damaged splines (3)
- Damaged threads (4)
- Pitted, scored, or damaged bearings (5)
Inspect the differential carrier gear needle bearings (4 and 6) for wear. Inspect for a worn or scored pin (9).

Fig 4: Inspecting Differential Carrier Gear Needle Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the bearing rollers and races for the following:

Fig 5: Inspecting Bearing Rollers And Races
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Pitting
- Scoring or grooves
- Excessive wear or other damage
Inspect the bearing rollers and races for heat discoloration. Heat discoloration ranges from a faint yellow to a dark blue color. This discoloration may result from an overload or improper lubrication. Excessive heat causes softening of the rollers and races. Bearings or races with a sign of heat discoloration must be replaced.

Fig 6: Identifying Bearing Rollers And Races For Heat Discoloration
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect for a bent bearing cage.

Fig 7: Identifying Bent Bearing Cage

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.