Question About my Front Axle

[jeremywrags]

Hi All,

Took apart my front Axle today to replace my wheel bearings and Hubs and being pretty new to this stuff I and am not sure exactly how snug things should fit together.

I notice that with my calipers off and my Axle exposed that I have quite a bit of play in/out & up/down with the axle. Is this normal and everything snugs up when I have it all put back together?

I took it apart mainly because my Drivers side autolocking hub was broken from the inside out, the spring inside had snapped and cracked the casing and was not allowing the drivers tire to spin.

Now I am concerned that the spring may be only part of the damage? Also I removed the pumpkin cover and a ton of water came pouring out along with some oil, luckily no metal at all so I think it's ok but how did the water even get in there?

Any thoughts on this?

Here is my Rig details.

1975 Blazer 350cid\4bbl TH350\NP203 I wish I knew what the axles were...

 

[blazinzuk]

75 should be a dana 44 in the front and a 12 bolt rear axle. Not a bad set of axles if you ask me. Although you said autolocking hubs, if they are in fact a set of automatic hubs (without the dial) then the axle could be a 10 bolt front. Pretty much equal in strength to the Dana 44

Are talking about play in the actual axle shaft? If so then yes this is normal, there will be play in the actual axle shaft.

As far as the water in your diff check your bearings make sure there is no unusual noise coming from them. The bearings I am talking about are the differential bearings. Also make sure they spin freely.

The axle housing has seals to keep the gear oil from leaking out but water can get in through those seals, in addition to a breather, a small tube off the top of the pumpkin just to one side I think, it should have a hose that goes to a crossmember, it will have a little plastic cap on it or it should. If that hose is missing anytime the diff is submerged you will get water in the diff, which unfortunately is now sealed in there with all the gear oil.