That much play when you are turning the pinion flange is normal. If you hold the pinion from turning & have play up & down it is a worn pinion brg. It can be replaced by pulling the 5 bolts in the flange & pulling the assembly out the front. It has a massive brg. that is double row ball brgs. The replacement is a taper roller brg. assem. It is expensive. The flange uses a cork gasket that compresses according to the shims. The pinion nut takes a big socket & preferably a stout air impact. What does pinion play have to do with safety inspection?
