Stub shaft axial play

[HellsK10]

Here's a problem I've never had...until now. I was cleaning mud out from under my truck and used a stir stick to pry mud out from areas it gets jammed in and water won't wash it out of. I pried on a piece stuck in the C opening of my axle and the stub shaft moved back. I washed it off and grabbed it n' sure enough, there's axial play in the shaft. Would that be internal bearings nearest the differential, or what? Any ideas? I can't tear it down just yet cause I gotta pick up my son from school. But ideas would be appreciated.

 

[miniwally]

By axial you mean end to end play.

Normal. The axle just floats in the carrier in the axle. As the wheels turn there has to be some play in the system to account for the movement around the kingpin/balljoint axis. The stub shaft also move in and out just a little bit as well. They don't move much but they can move.

 

[rcamacho]

There are also needle bearings in the spindle. Those may need some attention.

 

[HellsK10]

Preciate it!

There are also needle bearings in the spindle. Those may need some attention.

Those are new. That's what really got me worried about the center bearings. I appreciate the help. If a little forward and back movement is okay, great. Side to side (towards the diff and towards the spindle) is nill.
Thanks again!

 

[Mr. C]

There are also needle bearings in the spindle. Those may need some attention.

Maybe the thrust washer that sits between the axle slinger on the stub shaft and the spindle bearings?????