Axle yoke play?

[ascuro]

How much play should there be on the pinion shaft/input yoke on an axle? I'm trying to track down a slight vibration, and noticed I can move my rear axle yoke around (up/down, left/right, etc) about 1/8th of an inch or so - there's almost zero play on my front axle. It does look like it's causing a small leak too. Worn bearing perhaps? Or is that normal?

Also, if it is a worn bearing, can I replace that and the seal without removing the carrier - or do they come out through the housing? (on a 12-bolt by the way).

 

[tRustyK5]

I am pretty sure on a 12 bolt the carrier needs to come out to get the pinion assembly out. That 1/8" play isn't good. If it makes you feel any better I have the same prob with my 14 bolt right now. The only difference is the entire pinion assembly on a 14 bolt comes out from the front. Definitely need new pinion bearings, crush sleeve and seal though.

Have your driveshaft checked for balance.

Rene

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Yep, the Chevy truck 12 bolts are notorious for wasting pinion bearings. You will be lucky if your ring and pinion are okay and all that needs replacing is the pinion bearings and seal. If it were me, I would probably start looking for a new rear end

 

[raymos]

after i broke my 14bolt yoke and didnt replace the seal (because im a moron i guess!?) my yoke is moving like that also. i tightened the nut more and it helped but after i drove the truck more the slop came back. im gonna have to get the whole rear rebuilt because all the fluid leaked out and the rear seized, i added more oil and can still drive it but i know the bearings are toast. 4.88's and detroit hear i come!

 

[shane74]

You shouldn't have ANY play in the pinion. It should take approx. 20-25 in. lbs. of torque to rotate the pinion. You'll have to pull it all apart to fix it. Might as well get a master install kit and do it all if you are going to fix it.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

It should take more than 25 in. lbs. to turn the pinion if the carrier and shafts are still in it. If you have play at the pinion it is likely that your gearset is no good either.

 

[shane74]

It should take more than 25 in. lbs. to turn the pinion if the carrier and shafts are still in it. If you have play at the pinion it is likely that your gearset is no good either.

Oops, my bad. You are correct. You need to pull the shafts to measure it w/ an in. lb. torque wrench.