Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) pinion bearing bad?

[Makensmoke]

If this bearing is bad there will be evident play at the yoke, correct? If not, i'm wondering what else I can look for to target the bearing being bad.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

There may not always be play. If the bearing surface is brinelled, it will make a bunch of noise, but there may not be any play. If the races are scored, there may not bea play. What makes you suspect a bad pinion bearing?

 

[Makensmoke]

I've got a sloppy clunk when I take off from a stop. Or gass it in reverse. My whole housing is moving making it feel like play in my ring and pinion. I thought that maybe if my pinion was out and "crawling" up the ring rear maybe the angle was pulling the rear end up and down. I think this started when I had my plow on overnight and had to plow in low range due to deep snow. All that back and forth stress must have broke/wore something out. Just can't find it.

 

[Makensmoke]

It doesn't leak oil, but it wines a little around 30mph. I've also got alot of vibration around 75. Which is nothing new. Ujoints are good.

 

[0013]

what helped me troubleshoot my bad pinion bearing (besides the low growl at all speeds) was to jack up the rear end--support it with jack stands--then put it in drive. i was able to use my creeper to get close to the diff and listen. hope this helps...

chris