Play in axle shafts

[Sqeejo]

Okay I am diving into my first rebuild on an axle. I know scary huh. Well I need to know what is the appropriate play in the axle shaft. AS it is now, it will move about 1/8" to 1/4" in and out of the shaft. Now mind I KNOW that it has shot bearings but when I get this thing back together with fresh parts what am I shooting for?

Just to make sure I am clear this is play horizontally grabbing the Ujoint in the knuckle and it moves both inner and outer shaft.

(its a standard corporate 10bolt) Haven't dove into the rear 14BoltSF yet.


Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Sqeejo]

Anyone?

 

[thorguy57]

That sounds about right for the in and out movement. You will get the axle moving in and out just a little because it is a C-clip type axle. You don't want to have any up and down though

 

[miniwally]

I am assuming that you are working on the front?

Front axles are not C-clip. The axle shaft just slides into the carrier. There is a retaining clip on the end of the stub shaft that holds the spindle seal on the axle into the spindle seal on spindle. There will be play in this system, there is no "spec" for it. As long as the spindle seal is engaged things are fine.

The axle shaft has to have this end play in order for the u joint to self center in the center of the ball joints. As the tires turn the center moves in and out just a tad and pulls or pushes the axle in the carrier. This is a small amount but still happens.

 

[Sqeejo]

I am assuming that you are working on the front?

Front axles are not C-clip. The axle shaft just slides into the carrier. There is a retaining clip on the end of the stub shaft that holds the spindle seal on the axle into the spindle seal on spindle. There will be play in this system, there is no "spec" for it. As long as the spindle seal is engaged things are fine.

The axle shaft has to have this end play in order for the u joint to self center in the center of the ball joints. As the tires turn the center moves in and out just a tad and pulls or pushes the axle in the carrier. This is a small amount but still happens.

Thats kind of what I figured, but wasn't sure. I have never rebuilt a front axle and don't want to get it all together to find out I did it wrong. LOL

 

[thorguy57]

guess I got to the end of the first paragraph and replied. Missed the part where you talked about the knuckle and the u-joints. Sorry