differential questions-help

I think i need to replace rear wheel bearings on my 94 z28 that has positraction rear end but does not have the low-trac option. manual indicates a special tool for the reluctor ring. is that to hold it in place while fiddling around the differential?
1. do i need the tool or is there a simple substitute?
2. if i need the tool where can i get one or is this a dealer only thing?

all i want to do is remove the axle by pulling the c-clip off and pulling out the axle. can that damage the reluctor?

finally, if the axle turns out to have some light scoring by the bearing, can i just replace the bearing or do i need a new axle.

note: i haven't started the project yet.

any help would, well, help.
thanks all.

The relucter for the ABS? :dunno:

There is no reason the reluctor ring needs to be removed or reinstalled to do this job but there is no special tool needed. It pulls off semi easy and can be installed by putting in place between the ring gear and the differential and tighten the bolts in place will pull the reluctor onto the lip but like I said, you won't need to do that. You need to remove the brake calipers and leaving then hanging by something to support it, I usually use a hanger, then pull the c clps and pull out on the wheels. Its not too bad of a job just really dirty one.

thank you, thank you--that is one big worry off my mind. i am hoping there is no wear damage to axles; if it is discolored can they be polished or do they have to be replaced?

finally, can new bearing be inserted/removed without the special Jxxxxx tool listed in the manual? for example, pound in with big dowel or piece of wood?

regards,

jeff

ok, finished--wasnt as bad as i thought would be. rented bearing puller from autozone and also used to install new bearings. i was hoping that would quiet the sound i was getting while coasting around 15-20mph. kind of a sh-sh (say it out lound) sound at 2 per second while going 15 mph. thought was bearing but maybe its rotor against shoe and normal.

It only happens at 15MPH?

roughly between 15 and 20; above 20 the road and engine noise is too loud--i suspect it is there but i just cant hear it. also, when accelerating a bit from 15-20 noise stops; then coasting (no load) it comes back. so it only seems to appear when not under load.

my guess is narrowed to 2 things:
best thing: it is regular bearing noise amplified through suspension due to old bushings (car has 233k miles).

worst thing: it is inner bearing race near differential (that requires removing axles and diff. from case); possibly the pinion bearing but i doubt it. have only done a full throttle start once and been very gentle with the car over its lifetime.

could it be something else? what are chances it is caliper not retracting after brake release and play in axle allows rotor to touch caliper enough to make sound?

do a little test, set the ebrake ever so gently and see if the noise remains