Uncertain about the play in my rear dif (08 525 IRS)

[IIF3LIXII]

After installing some new rear, inner CV boots on my 08 525 IRS I noticed some play within the differential. The play may be normal and is the reason why I'm writing this thread.

If I grab the brake rotor and the rear sprocket the whole carrier moves about a quarter inch each way. Now this is nothing I had to take apart to install the boots but I just happen to notice the play after I got it all back together.

Basically I'm just wondering if the play is normall. Or if not; what is it that has worn down to create the movement.
Thanks guys.

[TheLane]

with the IRS a little play is common, however not a quarter inch, that seems a bit much.

It could be a number of things, mainly the bearings or the carrier, or just the bushings. Either way its an easy fix. Buy yourself a service manual and just rip it apart. It should be painfully obvious what the problem is once you get in there.