Hi,
This is probably too late for you, but for others, anytime an e-brake is off it is the ideal time to inspect and repack your rear outer bearing. There are only 4 easily accessible bolts to remove. You should have an inner seal on hand because that's what keeps the rear end oil from washing the grease out of the bearing.
You don't need to remove the bearing from the axle to clean and repack. Just pull the axel out a few inches and put a bucket under it. Solvent and a chip brush and fresh grease. The seal goes into the axel housing. A half hour job.
If a bearing fails on the road and you keep driving it can destroy the axle housing. If you call for a tow and get it to a garage it will be very expensive.
Rear bearings with a failed inner seal running in rear-end oil can go for a long time if you don't mind the noise and a rough ride.
Peter
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