91 k1500

[Leon Stredwick]

I have a 91 k1500 and the front driver side output shaft has quite a but of play- to the point that it’s causing a great deal of vibration with the front driveline connected. Is there a bearing I can replace or is it really just a snap ring and will that get rid of the play in that shaft?

Spoiler

Spoiler

 

 

 

[Jsdirt]

Not sure exactly what you're talking about, but if the CV axle has binding, tears in the boot with grease flung everywhere, it needs replacing as an assembly. If your wheel is flopping around, that's probably a hub bearing assembly.  Internal to the differential/axle housing itself are bearings and snap rings. Not sure exactly what you've got going on here. Internet diagnosis is like trying to work blindfolded.

[Leon Stredwick]

The cv axles are fine, I’m talking about the output at the front diff..right where the cv axles bolt on. The stub shaft that comes out oh the housing has quite a bit of slack. 

[davester]

There is a seal and a bearing there.  If you can move the stub axle up&down, then it is likely the bearing is shot, and possibly the stub axle may be worn as well.

 

I'm not certain if your diff is done the same way as later models (like my '04 Sierra), but it can be difficult to get the stub axle out to replace the bearing.  For mine, there is a snap ring within the diff (so, not directly accessible), and to get the stub axle out, you remove the diff, then you use a hammer (or attach a slide hammer to it) to try to pound it out.  You need to hit it and hope the snap ring jumps out of it's groove, so the axle can slide out.  You can't press/pull the axle out, as the snap ring won't get out of the groove.  Some people have had to cut off the end of the stub axle, then disassemble the diff to get the rest of it out...

[Leon Stredwick]

Thanks, it’s been really hard to find any info on this..I appreciate any help I can get.

[davester]

Note, I can't say for sure it's like what I described, as I haven't worked on a truck from around the years your truck is.  It's my understanding GM has been using this setup for a long time, just making minor changes along the way (for example, changing how the actuator itself works).  So it's a "most likely", not "for sure".

 

You might try getting the full-service manual for it, either online via a subscription at a site like alldatadiy.com, or the paper version at helminc.com or ebay/amazon.

 

I see this https://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-GMC-C-K-SIERRA-Light-Duty-Truck-Shop-Manual-Set-NEW-ORIGINALS/382822918760?hash=item5922062a68:g:d7kAAOSwu4BVupD7

It's only $50+shipping for it...  If you want to keep and work on this truck yourself for sometime, definitely get it...  Or find the chevy version of it....