1001001

1990 4x4 pick up. I let my truck sit for a couple of weeks. And when I started driving it again it was making some noise that sounded like loud tire noise. I wasn't sure if it was my new tires or something else. Anyway, so I was moving out of my house I sold, and did a lot of heavy loads. Then I loaded it to the brim when I moved out and started my 3 hour trip to stay with family for a bit. About 20 minutes from my destination the truck starts getting really loud, again I wasn't sure if maybe it was just a bad road area and road noise. But it got worse and seemed to feel some resistance.

So a drove a few more miles to make it to the rest area so I can check it out. When I got there and was pulling in I see my back drivers side wheel smoking like crazy. When I park and get it out I see it's on fire! I blow out the fire. It's leaking a lot of fluid. I'm assuming it's the bearing that is toast. I got a tow and there is some fluid still leaking out. Fluid looks clean and clear. I had changed it not too long ago. The correct type and amount.

I'm wondering what my options are. Do you think it's ruined the differential or just the bearing can be replaced? I'm staying with family and mechanics are a massive rip off here. I'm worried they will extra rip me off too. Normally I'd work on it myself. But I can't work on it here at the place I'm at. Staying with family for now. Maybe I can tow it to my uncles land, or rent a garage. Could possibly pull the rear diff and bring it some place. Maybe grab a rebuilt one, or I wouldn't mind putting on a new aftermarket. With locking rear. That would be nice. But those prices seem outrageous $5000 to $10,000 is way too much. Are there any reasonable rebuilds some place or aftermarket that would bolt right on? Or will it most likely be just an easy bearing replacement and just bring it somewhere? I feel like if a mechanic here touches it it's going to be thousands either way.

I'm in Portland Oregon if anyone has any suggestions. Or knows of any good shops or mechanics.

Thanks.

millball

From your description, it is a wheel bearing that has failed.
Not the differential.
Sounds like you need to pull that axle from the housing
Likely that a new bearing, seal, and some rear brake work will fix you up.
A new axle shaft too, worst case scenario.
Unless there is a pinion seal leak, or other issues you don't mention.
The actual differential should be OK.