Front axle question

Arisley · Nov 6, 2014

Helping a friend out. The driver side front axle has play in the inner axle. Is there a bearing for the axle at the outer end of the axle housing?

psduser1 · Nov 6, 2014

91turbogsx · Nov 6, 2014

It's stabilized by the hub and the bearing in the hub/wheel bearing assembly and hub seal also.

Arisley · Nov 6, 2014

OK, thanks. That does not sound like good engineering.
So the slack is either bad u-joint or bad hub assembly.
And is that axle wet, or is there a seal on the inner end of it?

DEEZUZ · Nov 6, 2014

seal on inner side, only can be serviced when diff is apart.

I always make sure the axle tube is clean before reinserting the axle into diff, you can collect debris by dragging the splined end in the tube

Arisley · Nov 6, 2014

Cool, so if that dust seal on the outer end comes off, you should see no differential oil in there. I was a little worried about that, thought he had a dry front differential.

DEEZUZ · Nov 6, 2014

Nope, no fluid in the tubes. Get the spindle seal ,the axle dust seal, inspect the inner hub bearing and outer shaft.

I just bought an entire left side axle shaft, seals, joint, and all for $175