How Much In/out Play In Axle Is Normal?

illMATTic · October 13, 2010

On my 07 Silverado I am getting ALOT of in/out play in my pass side rear axle. I know there is going to be some by design. BUT, I have much more on the pass side when I had it on the lift. I can hear it clunk when I am driving.

I have taken it to the dealer once. They just brushed it off as normal. I'm pretty sure they just drove it around the lot.

I would have to say (as a guess) the driver side has 1/32" of play and the pass side has 1/8 - 3/16" of play. I am only using these numbers as a comparison from left to right.

Thanks, Matt

gmtech4 · October 13, 2010

take the cover off ,remove the retaining bolt,remove the pin,push axle in and remove the c-clip with a magnet and inspect it ,thats all.

i think it would ok but ,how many miles on it .?

Doug_Scott · October 14, 2010

Axle end play is normal. And will not generally cause a clunk. Years ago I was doing a PDI on a new Dodge truck and noticed a lot of end play on it, and when driving it had a clunk as well. After spending a couple of hours reducing the amount of free play, the clunk was still there. Replacing the RR shock fixed the clunk. And this was on a brand new truck.

pistonslap · October 14, 2010

Every vehicle i have owned has had some end play.I don't know what is normal tho. My old Ford beater had at least a eighth of a inch play,and it went at least 5000 km's before i parked it. Hopefully someone will chime in with the allowable specs.

gmtech4 · October 14, 2010

there is no spec ,i was a gm tech for yrs and never heard of a concern,,my 2 cents

illMATTic · October 14, 2010

I would have to think that over time with the axle smashing in and out, one of the surfaces would get damaged.

Im talking about 3-5 times as much play as the other axle.

Are there any current GM techs here?

Doug_Scott · October 14, 2010

I would have to think that over time with the axle smashing in and out, one of the surfaces would get damaged.

Im talking about 3-5 times as much play as the other axle.

Are there any current GM techs here?

As much as you think they smash in and out, they don't. At best they will wander. Does not take a GM tech to know this, C-clip rear ends appear in all manufacturers, and have for decades.