Rear GM 12-bolt wheel/axle shaft outer bearing play? How much is too much? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

joeydurango · 04-29-2016, 05:27 PM

Finished the D44 on the front of my K10... now I'm just checkin' out the rear brakes and axle. GM 12-bolt. New gear oil, gasket, brake pads, etc. But I'm a little confused on the outer wheel/axle shaft bearings... I gather they are just a simple roller bearing, not conical or able to be preloaded in any way. If this is true, it would make sense that there will always be the slightest bit of end play in the axle, because the axle shaft and bearing ID can't be precisely the same. But not sure if this is correct.

Is a little end play in the axle okay? Or is any play a reason for new outer bearings? FWIW, there's no noise or anything from the rear axle, everything appears okay on the road - I just wanted to take it apart and make sure.

Thanks in advance!

**MikeB** · 04-29-2016, 05:35 PM

Yes, that and and there is always just a little play on the c-clip end.

joeydurango · 04-29-2016, 05:54 PM

Thanks!

Just about to pull the diff cover and first I made sure I could open the fill plug... and a trickle of nice, clean oil came out. Looks like I won't be opening the rear diff after all, someone's been in there relatively recently! I love it when things work out.

04-29-2016, 05:27 PM	#1
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Rear GM 12-bolt wheel/axle shaft outer bearing play? How much is too much? Finished the D44 on the front of my K10... now I'm just checkin' out the rear brakes and axle. GM 12-bolt. New gear oil, gasket, brake pads, etc. But I'm a little confused on the outer wheel/axle shaft bearings... I gather they are just a simple roller bearing, not conical or able to be preloaded in any way. If this is true, it would make sense that there will always be the slightest bit of end play in the axle, because the axle shaft and bearing ID can't be precisely the same. But not sure if this is correct. Is a little end play in the axle okay? Or is any play a reason for new outer bearings? FWIW, there's no noise or anything from the rear axle, everything appears okay on the road - I just wanted to take it apart and make sure. Thanks in advance! __________________ 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super \| LWB, fleetside \| 350/350/205 \| KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne \| SWB, fleetside \| LS Swap 5.3/4L60 \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 400/4-spd \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 455/4-spd \| TOTALED

04-29-2016, 05:35 PM	#2
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,475	Re: Rear GM 12-bolt wheel/axle shaft outer bearing play? How much is too much? Yes, that and and there is always just a little play on the c-clip end. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

04-29-2016, 05:54 PM	#3
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Re: Rear GM 12-bolt wheel/axle shaft outer bearing play? How much is too much? Thanks! Just about to pull the diff cover and first I made sure I could open the fill plug... and a trickle of nice, clean oil came out. Looks like I won't be opening the rear diff after all, someone's been in there relatively recently! I love it when things work out. __________________ 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super \| LWB, fleetside \| 350/350/205 \| KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne \| SWB, fleetside \| LS Swap 5.3/4L60 \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 400/4-spd \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 455/4-spd \| TOTALED

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