Advice and cost needed about u-joints and brakes for 1995 Chevy Silverado?

Question

I have a 1995 Chevy Silverado, 152000 miles, that has developed a low roaring sound that seems to come from the rear end when moving forward. The mechanic proposed to "replace driveshaft center support bearing and check u-joints when driveshaft is removed". Part needed is the "center support bearing assembly".

Since the wheel bearings could be a source of the noise, I asked that they be checked. The report was that "right rear axle seal leaking, wheel cylinders leak, brake shoes soaked with grease. Recommend rear brake service package due to grease leaking onto rear brake lining". Parts recommended are pads/shoes, wheel cylinders for the 2 rear wheels, and a rear axle seal.

To the mechanics out there--Do these sound like reasonable solutions and recommendations? How much should this cost?

Thank you!

Answer 1

It's better not to nickle and dime that stuff and go ahead and replace the bearings, seals and brakes all at once. And it's kinda dumb to even bother checking old u-joints when the drive shaft is off. You've already done most of the work replacing them, and they don't cost very much.
An honest shop might do the whole thing for $400 plus parts. A crooked one would try to soak you for a grand, and then mark up the parts 300%.

Answer 2

the noise going forward is probably your u-joints in the drive shaft.
when they get dry the needle bearings in the u-joint grind up,,that's the noise you here.
As far as your rear brakes go ,,The rear end cover has to come off to replace your axle seal.Do both sides.and have your axles inspected for pitting.
The rear end fluid coming out of your axle seal contaminates the brake linings,,if your wheel cyl is leaking it does the same thing.
causing your rear brakes to grab.
After the axle seals are replaced.have new wheel cyl if there leaking and new brake shoes and new spring kit,,the springs that hold your brake shoes together.
As far as cost goes maybe 3hours labour total.
u-joints 20-30 bucks each.
axle seals 2-5 bucks each side
wheel cyl 15-25 bucks each side
if a brake line brakes more $$$
rear brake shoes 50- 100 $
rear spring kit 20 $
new grease for rear end &silicone for cover 20$
Obvieos these are just rough prices,,it will very depending where you go.and as long as nothing breaks.

Answer 3

It does not sound like he/she is filling you full of crap.
It is not uncommon for a leaky rear axle seal to cause that damage, and midship bearings go out all the time.
I would reasonably think in the range of 5 hours,
the cost depends on you mechanics labor rate and mark-up of the parts