Rear wheel flange/splines AND How to load pics

[username23]

I replaced the rear wheel bearings on my '97 Valk last year, about 5k miles ago. So I'm surprised to feel that slight grinding sound again (more in left turns and straight on driving-completely disappears in right leans.) I called the local shop to order a set of bearings and the mechanic mentioned that I should check the splines on the flange, as that might be my issue.
 Well, I have no idea what "worn flange" looks like, so I'm hoping I can get some advice here.

But of course I have no idea how to load pics... First things first, I guess.

Thanks!

[hubcapsc]

icky:



not icky:



There's other related parts - both ends of the driveshaft... and LOTS of info
on this board... do a search for splines or moly or shaft ... 

To get your pictures to display here, you have to already have them on the web,
then refer to their web location in your post...

-Mike

[username23]

Thanks, hubcapsc!

 My splines are definitely NOT "icky". They look just about exactly like what I can see from the "not icky!" pic. Very reassuring.
 Guess I'll have to join  a pic-hosting site to be able to post here. Thanks also for that info.

[olddog1946]

I'd change that icky pic, to Walking...

[hubcapsc]

Thanks, hubcapsc!

 My splines are definitely NOT "icky". They look just about exactly like what I can see from the "not icky!" pic. Very reassuring.
 Guess I'll have to join  a pic-hosting site to be able to post here. Thanks also for that info.

Keep looking, though, and make sure that both ends of your driveshaft are good. One end lands
at the universal joint, that needs to be good. The other end lands at your pinion cup, that needs to look
good.

Going all the way to look at your universal joint might turn out to be a big pain in the rear end,
so if the end of the drive shaft that lands inside the universal joint looks good, you might should
skip looking at the universal unless you can't find something else to blame your noise on...
the "joint" part of the universal could go bad (and make your noise) without the splined connection
between the shaft and the universal showing wear...

The universal joint, the final drive, and all the parts in between get a lot of attention on this
board, so when work lets out you might get a bunch of knowledgeable people chiming in on
this thread, and you can find a lot of relevant info by searching the site...

-Mike

[John U.]

Since you evidently have the rear wheel off, now is the time to clean and relube the splines. Honda says to use moly paste but their product dries up too quickly. A lot of us use waterproof grease. I use Green Grease with the Honda moly paste mixed in just to use it up. I firmly believe that a good waterproof grease such as Green Grease or Belray is all you need.
Second, remove the 4 bolts the hold the final drive pumkin to the drive shaft housing. The drive shaft will come apart at the U-joint. You then need to pull the drive shaft loose from the pumkin to clean and lube that end.
The four bolts should be the last to be tightened when you reasemble everything. In other words, install them loosely until the rear axle is torqued, then thighten the 4 bolts.

Failure to observe this sequence will cause rapid spline wear and major expense.

[Skinhead]

Also make sure the 2 holes in the bottom of the pinion cup are open.

[bscrive]

When you replaced the bearings, was the metal tube spacer put back in?  If not then you would get rapid bearing failure because of the force on the side of the bearings.