rear axle shaft

Hi All,
I was working on my 98 sierra rear drum brakes and noticed that there was some play in the axle shaft. I could pull the right side in and out about 1".
Now that I think about it, I have been noticing some new noises from the rear of the truck, but thought perhaps it was something else in the suspension.
I would really appreciate anyone's input. How difficult is it to pull the shaft and do the bearings, which is what I believe is the cause since the left side doesn't have the same characteristics.
It is a SLE standard sierra, 4X4 Z71.

Thanks

Hi All,
I was working on my 98 sierra rear drum brakes and noticed that there was some play in the axle shaft. I could pull the right side in and out about 1".
Now that I think about it, I have been noticing some new noises from the rear of the truck, but thought perhaps it was something else in the suspension.
I would really appreciate anyone's input. How difficult is it to pull the shaft and do the bearings, which is what I believe is the cause since the left side doesn't have the same characteristics.
It is a SLE standard sierra, 4X4 Z71.

Thanks

i would think if that has the regular rear end and not the full floater that axle would have departed long ago. I wouldnt drive it till you find the cause

i would think if that has the regular rear end and not the full floater that axle would have departed long ago. I wouldnt drive it till you find the cause

Thanks Mr. Smith. It's not the full floater. It's on the passenger side, and I have driven it for quite some miles after the fact. I researched some previous posts and it looks like I would have to drain the diff, etc. but to get to the seal and bearings would require taking that part in to a machine shop. I need the truck so because of time I might just have to bite the bullet and take the truck into a shop. seems like it would be costly. anyone had similiar dealings ?

All semi-floating axles have some in and out play.

All semi-floating axles have some in and out play.

That makes sense. I was thinking along the same lines. I guess it's the common noises I'm hearing. Heck, I can have a perfect running truck and find something wrong if I focus long enough.

Thanks for the reply.

That makes sense. I was thinking along the same lines. I guess it's the common noises I'm hearing. Heck, I can have a perfect running truck and find something wrong if I focus long enough.

Thanks for the reply.
1 inch is way too much, the c clip that holds the axle to the side gear or the groove in the axle or the bearing are worn or moving on the axle shaft get it checked out soon!!!