What is the typical lifespan of a carrier bearing? When I come to a stop, let off the brake I feel a "THUD" Past experience with other trucks has told me that the bearing is faulty and the driveshaft is moving up and down in the bracket?

Anyone?

Nobody?

Changed mine at 60k miles.

Griswals, I have a 2002 2500HD extended cab that has a 2-pc drive shaft. I always had the thump on stopping (or starting) that you describe. At about 40,000 miles the rear u-joint started getting loose, so when I had the drive shaft out, I greased the center spline with Mobil 1 syn. grease. No more thump. It was an easy fix. By the way, I had it in to the stealer, and they did not know what to do.

I already had it at the dealer and they supposedly re-greased the yoke as well but the problem is still there. I was just wondering if anyone experienced the same thing. Thanks for the help!

I've had to replace mine due to rubber mount coming apart. Was vibrating pretty bad and would shudder real bad when taking of with a loaded trailer.
Still has some of the shudder though.
Did that at around 78000 miles or so.

Might be a characterristic of the drive line. Play in the gears of the rear end. I occasioanlly get a thump,if the conditions are right.

Same when using cruise control. Adjust speed down with COAST button (depress for very short time) when power re-engages, comes back with a thump.

Maybe.....?

I Don't Think You Are Feeling The Carrier Bearing. What Is Happening Is When You Come To A Stop, Your Wheels Are Slowing Down, But Because Of Momentom, Your Truck Is Still Moving, Which In Turn Is Twisting Your Leaf Springs In A Bind. This Is Not A Problem, But Is Annoying. If You Were To Run A Set Of Traction Bars, You Would Notice That This "thud" Would Be Completley Gone. Fyi If You Go To The Dealership And Tell Them You Have Lots Of Drivetrain Shutter, When Pulling Heavy Loads, They Might Just Replace The Entire Driveshaft With An All Aluminum Single Piece Unit.
I Had This Done On My 2001 Crew Cab Short Box 4x4.


File In Section: 04 - Driveline Axle

Bulletin No.: 01-04-17-001A

Date: June, 2001

TECHNICAL
Subject:
Launch Shudder On Acceleration
(Install New One-Piece Propeller Shaft)

Models:
1999-2001 Chevrolet and GMC K2500/3500 Extended and Crew Cab Long Box Pickup Models With Automatic Transmission

This bulletin is being revised to remove an illustration. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-04-17-001 (Section 04 - Driveline/Axle).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a vibration during acceleration from 0-40 km/h (0-25 mph). This may also be referred to as launch shudder. This condition may be more noticeable when the vehicle is carrying cargo or is used for towing.

Correction

A new propeller shaft is available for service to correct this condition. This new propeller shaft is a one-piece design and will replace the current two-piece design. Install a new one-piece propeller shaft on affected vehicles. Refer to the service procedure and the parts information listed below. Match the affected vehicle with the appropriate propeller shaft. Refer to the usage information below. This fix does not apply to the Chassis/Crew Cab Models (K35943).
1. Place the transmission in the Neutral position.

2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to the Lifting and Jacking procedure in the General Information subsection of the Service Manual.

3. Remove the bolts and the yoke retainers from the rear axle pinion yoke.

Important: Do not pound on the propeller shaft yoke ears. Do not pry or place any tool between a yoke and a universal joint.

4. Slide the rear propeller shaft forward in order to remove the propeller shaft from the rear axle pinion yoke.

5. Remove the center bearing to the center bearing support nuts.

6. Remove the center bearing from the center bearing support.

7. Remove the front propeller shaft by sliding the front propeller shaft rearward from the transfer case.

8. Remove and discard any prior shims that may have been installed with the previous propeller shaft.

Important: The center bearing support bracket (1) must be removed in order to provide enough clearance for installation of the one-piece propeller shaft. Avoid damaging the crossmember during removal of the center bracket. For proper clearance, no more than 13 mm (1/2 in) of the bracket may remain on the crossmember after removal.

9. Remove the center bearing support bracket from the kick-up crossmember using a cut-off wheel.

10. After removal of the center bearing support bracket, grind the rough metal edges smooth that remain on the crossmember.

11. Coat the exposed metal surfaces with frame coating using the information found in the applicable Service Manual and GM Refinish Material Booklet # 490 1M-D-2001 (English) or # 490 1M-D-F2001 (French).

12. Install the new propeller shaft by sliding the front of the propeller shaft into the transfer case.

13. Install the rear propeller shaft onto the rear axle pinion yoke.

14. Install the yoke retainers and the bolts.

Tighten

Tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (19 lb ft).
15. Lower the vehicle.

Parts Information

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information