Do I have a broken axle shaft?

[DK5]

Hey guys
I'm changing the oil this morning on my K5. While I was under there I spun the front driveshaft with my hands to see if the left and right u-joints were spinning on the front diff (stock 10-bolt). Driverside spins but passenger doesn't... manual hubs are not locked. Do I need a new axle shaft? What else could it be?

I'll have another closer look pretty quick. I did do some winter wheeling (another thread) and there is still ice and snow stuffed everywhere, so maybe it just froze up...

 

[George_Pimpdaddy]

Probably just frozen up or its just easier for it to spin the other side. i would take it out to some snow covered area doesn't need to be too deep and engage 4x4 and give er a bit of throttle and get out and see if all 4 tires engage.

 

[6.2Blazer]

Assuming you have the stock open differential than this is quite normal. If you can try out the truck in 4wd in the snow or ice, if either front tire spins at all (again assuming a front open diff) then everything is working okay. If you had a broken axleshaft with an open diff, then it will feel exactly the same whether you have the t-case in 2wd or 4wd.

Just thinking..........lock in both front hubs, leave the t-case in 2wd, and try to spin the driveshaft again. If the driveshaft does NOT spin then you are good to go.

 

[GreenieK30]

Stock open diff, only one shaft at a time spins with power. Both will turn if you have a locker.

 

[josh86k10]

Lock the hub of the side that spins now, leave the other side unlocked. Try to turn the driveshaft again. The opposite axle should spin now as it is now the path of least resistance. If it does you're good to go. With an open differential power always goes to the path of least resistance.

 

[bot0611]

WHat if a shat breaks, what holds it in place

 

[DK5]

Well I did what josh86k10 said and it worked. Oil was changed with fresh Shell 5W-30 and a new Fram oil filter, looks like I'm good to go

 

[DK5]

thanks for all your help, I learned something new today

 

[Stomis]

WHat if a shat breaks, what holds it in place

All front axles are full floating so if you break a shaft you wont loose a wheel.

The C-Clips and hub assembly hold the axle in place.