2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Help please: Rotational play in left rear wheel relative to the right side

[JGK]

I haven't found anything searching the forums on this so I'll post the question.



I was just out checking/adjusting my rear brakes (wheels and brake drums off) and I noticed a little bit of rotational play in the left side hub. With the drum on, I can gently rotate the wheel hub a few degrees either way before I notice the drive line starting to move. The amount of play is maybe 1/8 to 3/16 inch rotational movement at the outer rim of the drum. This is not due to the drum slopping on the wheel studs.



On the right side, there is virtually no play at all. The slightest rotation of the hub causes the drive line to move.



So the questons are: what is this likely to be a symptom of, how can I pin it down for sure, and what is the solution?



TIA!

Jay K.

 

[datablitz]

there is a normal amount of play inside the spider gears in your differential, i wouldnt worry about it

 

[Mudinchev]

there is a normal amount of play inside the spider gears in your differential, i wouldnt worry about it

I agree... ... nothing to worry about... ...

 

[B.G. Smith]

Agree with above posts. If you have the limited slip differential, the clutch pack is on the left side of the carrier which might account for that side being tighter. bg

 

[JGK]

Thanks for the help. It's nice to see you're all in agreement!



I do have the LS diff. - rotating one tire causes the other to rotate the same way. I find it odd that one side has play where as the other does not. But if that's normal, I can live with it. It does not seem to affect driving, braking, steering, etc. The only thing I've noticed is occassionally on a shift I'll here a slight clunk from the rear end. But I've noticed that for the last 2 or 3 years and it does not seem to be getting worse. I thought maybe a u-joint was going bad or something but they seem to be OK.



Smoke on!

Jay