loose output shaft on tranny

[Burkster]

Replaced the tranny about 18 months ago with GM reman. and no problems since.But last week wife complained about a noise at about 40 mph.
I test drive and hear a "rubbing sound" from front end . Checked front suspension and hub bearings, they seemed ok. Noise only appears about 25-45 mph and doesn't go away in turns. Upon inspection I found grease coming out of left side inner cv boot by tranny (wasn't torn or damaged) So I figure with 140K I'd change both since I was in there.(struts also) After removing left side CV shaft I felt some play on output shaft in tranny (about 1/8 inch on the shaft)not sure this is right. Assembled anyway and test drove.same noise. I'm wondering if bearings going out of drivers side output shaft?

I installed the tranny myself (I'm a mechanic for a heavy highway contractor) so I wonder if I have any warranty thru GM . 3 years 36000 I think.Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[maxwedge]

Without hearing this noise onsite this is tough to offer help, final drive bearings maybe?

[Burkster]

Yeah I know, It's kinda a thump thump thump at speed and its not steady, it comes and goes. At first I seemed like something rubbing the shaft or tire. Rotated tires, no difference in sound. gonna try hub bearings next since they will be the last original part in the front end. I just wasn't sure the play in that output shaft was normal. I'll let you know what happens next.

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by Burkster

Yeah I know, It's kinda a thump thump thump at speed and its not steady, it comes and goes. At first I seemed like something rubbing the shaft or tire. Rotated tires, no difference in sound. gonna try hub bearings next since they will be the last original part in the front end. I just wasn't sure the play in that output shaft was normal. I'll let you know what happens next.

You may want to re-check the hub bearings again. My left side went out at about 135,000 Kms. Sounded weird, and came and went at first. Then let go one hot afternoon in heavy traffic on the highway. Could have probably driven it home, but had it fixed away from home and tools for $400.00.

Sounded like a droning sound like driving on the ribbed shoulder of the highway and got progressively louder with speed. Telling sign was when the rotor started contacting the thin plate that holds the ABS sensor in place. Enough movement to cause the rotor to rub on turns. Should have recognized what it was and fixed it then.