Rear wheel bearing? - 99 Suburban C2500

Completely confused here!
I've found axial play at the passenger side rear wheel but no rocking or roughness.
Found this video >>




It's for a 1500 - is my set up going to be the same?

What I have is a C2500, 14 bolt casing, 8 lug wheels, 13'' drums and G80. Rock Auto identifies bearing fitment by ring gear. What size of ring gear do I have?

If, my axle is as in the video, it doesn't appear to me that the bearing controls axial play. Why do I have axial play? Is it a failing wheel bearing? Or something going/gone wrong inside the diff?

Given the above info, if I do need a bearing, which on this RA page >> https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...,1353013,brake+&+wheel+hub,wheel+bearing,1672 are suitable?

Otherwise, the driver's side wheel has no play, no noises from either bearing, or the diff and the diff oil was replaced recently with good quality oil.

TIA.

When you say axial play, you mean 'in & out' movement? If so, how much approx.?

Assuming your axle is semi float based on the video you referenced....

Is it a full floater 14 bolt or semifloater? 10.5 for full floater

92GMCK2500 said:

When you say axial play, you mean 'in & out' movement? If so, how much approx.?

Assuming your axle is semi float based on the video you referenced....

Click to expand...

Yes, in and out. I didn't measure it but it is a couple mm at least. Visibly obvious where the drum meets the backplate. Very audible clunk when pushed and pulled.

yevgenievich said:

Is it a full floater 14 bolt or semifloater? 10.5 for full floater

Click to expand...

Semi I think. FF has the 6 bolt cap with taper roller bearings - yes?

Pic below is of mine.

Pinger said:

Semi I think. FF has the 6 bolt cap with taper roller bearings - yes?

Pic below is of mine.

You must be registered for see images attach

Click to expand...

Yes that's a semi floating axle. Full floating would have a big hub with bolts that hold the axle flange in place. The axle shaft floats in the bearings instead of being the inner race of them like what you have.
This is the same type rear axle that my old 90 square body Burb R2500(3/4 ton) had. Similar in design to what the half toons have, just a little bit bigger and sturdier, with 3 more studs and lug nuts.
Is there obvious leaking at the axle seal? Behind the backing plate and axle housing flange? Usually this also manifests as oily brake shoes. Those look dry to me.

There's some dialogue in this old thread of mine. https://www.gmt400.com/threads/rear-brakes-loud-rubbing-scraping-noise.51828/page-2#post-1144699

I have the exact same axial play you have described. Replacing the wheel bearing, seals, axle retainer "C" Clips & gear oil did not resolve said issue.

I don't know the answer but thought I would share

HotWheelsBurban said:

Yes that's a semi floating axle. Full floating would have a big hub with bolts that hold the axle flange in place. The axle shaft floats in the bearings instead of being the inner race of them like what you have.
This is the same type rear axle that my old 90 square body Burb R2500(3/4 ton) had. Similar in design to what the half toons have, just a little bit bigger and sturdier, with 3 more studs and lug nuts.

Click to expand...

I thought mine is semi but better to know for certain.
I've never seen that arrangement before where the half shaft isn't restrained at the hub but at the diff. If I've understood correctly (from the video) all that stops the wheel and shaft becoming detached from the vehicle is that U shaped retainer inside the diff. Which has me worried as to what's going on with mine.

HotWheelsBurban said:

Is there obvious leaking at the axle seal? Behind the backing plate and axle housing flange? Usually this also manifests as oily brake shoes. Those look dry to me.

Click to expand...

That photo is from 2020. Didn't have the drum off today - only adjusting the shoes with them and wheels still fitted to avoid disturbing the shoes - and I did a customary shake of the wheel to check bearings and found the play. No sign of any leaks - or movement in anything other than the axial direction - which makes me suspicious for something having gone wrong in the diff. Not to mention anxious!

I edited my reply above. I'd be curious to know what's going on!

92GMCK2500 said:

There's some dialogue in this old thread of mine. https://www.gmt400.com/threads/rear-brakes-loud-rubbing-scraping-noise.51828/page-2#post-1144699

I have the exact same axial play you have described. Replacing the wheel bearing, seals, axle retainer "C" Clips & gear oil did not resolve said issue.

I don't know the answer but thought I would share

Click to expand...

Thanks.
You never eliminated the 2-3mm play (exactly as mine) then.
The 'C clips - are they the U shaped thingies in the diff? I assume so. Are they available in different thicknesses? If there's wear there, is it the clips or the half shaft that wears?
Off to check RA to see if they can be bought separately. How long/mileage have you run with the axial play? I'm really scared of losing a wheel and shaft mid-corner!