We have 1986 Grand Villa in excellent condition and well maintained with 184k miles. However, we took the coach in to a Caterpillar service shop to check out a loud whining noise in the rear end. They told us the rear end needed to be replaced. I can't seem to find any information online so I'm thinking this is not a common occurence. Anyone have any experience with this and/or insight as to what may have caused the problem?
Unless you have over a million miles on that coach, something has gone unattended to, either oil level, oil leak or pinion nut or some unusual happening as the rears are not a problem.
If it were my coach, at my age (20 yrs ago I would have fixed it myself) I would find a truck shop, not Cat, Cummins nor Detroit Diesel shops, but a actual truck dealer as they are used to handling the rear gearing on the heavy highway rigs.
Worst case could be $2,500.00 but I am sure a proper truck shop can fix the issue for a lot less.
With out looking at it, I would suspect a loose pinion nut, and oil leaking out of the pinion shaft area.
Good luck
Dave
Tell us where you are at. There is a good chance that someone here can refer you to a good shop in your locale.
May need a new ring and pinion as many with the Rockwell rear axle did. Basically a rebuild, not replacement of whole axle.
Brett Wolfe