A pinion bearing will start making noise long before things get bad enough to cause pinion/carrier contact. The first telltale indicator will be a loose nut at the front yoke. Tightening the pinion nut will dramatically increase the noise if that's the source of the problem!
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!