Rear Wheel Play

[Derek Dewar]

Hey you all, got a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 Exc. Cab 315,000 Miles. Was getting off of the highway and on the off ramp when I went over some hard bumps and the wheel immediately went to the right about 5 inches and now I have to hold the wheel straight fighting against it. Lifted the front and checked wheels. No play, pretty fresh up front with parts. Checked rear and drivers side has a little bit of play side to side. Only changed the fluid in the rear and that's it about a year ago. TIA!!!

[CamGTP]

If you have to fight the wheel to keep to it straight, something up front is likely the problem in my eyes.

 

Things could still be tight up front but maybe something is bent or maybe even something is up with the steering gear.

 

As for the rear, most C-clip axle will have play in and out because of their design. If there is side to side movement like as if you held the tire at 9 and 3 and did the wiggle test, that could be a worn axle shaft or that bearing at the end.

 

Also make sure that the rear tires are even in the wheel wells from side to side, that would tell you if something shifted. Also check your leaf spring u-bolts and the rear shackles.