Axle play - Normal ?

Post by **Sveedy** » 16 May 2021, 10:40

Along with other recent issues, I have noticed a vibration or shake in the steering wheel and front end at 65 - 70mph. It feels like a balance problem so I decided to rotate the tires to see if that made any difference. While doing that, I noticed that if I grab the wheel at top and bottom ( 12 - 6 ), I get some play. Taking the wheel off and looking at the movement, I see the axle shaft moving in and out a little bit ( 1/8"- ). This is on both front wheels. Struts, strut bearings, sway bar end links have been replaced. But nothing else that I can see.
So is that in and out movement of the axle normal ? If not, then what am I looking now ?

Just to add - no noises, except when I slowly roll over somewhat large rocks that I sometimes have to deal with on a dirt road. Then I might hear a clunk. But nothing on pavement.

Post by **scot850** » 16 May 2021, 11:15

Let us know if the issue does not resolve with wheel swap around. At that speed it is common for wheel balance issues or bent rims.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 16 May 2021, 13:01

Axle play isn’t good. You want those splines bound tightly together or they are going to strip out when you drive.

Check the nut -1998 or the bolt 1999-

Post by **erikv11** » 16 May 2021, 16:52

Sveedy wrote: ↑16 May 2021, 10:40 ... I see the axle shaft moving in and out a little bit ( 1/8"- ). This is on both front wheels. ...

Axle shaft is moving in and out of trans, or movement at the hub like abscate is referring to?

Post by **Chuck W** » 16 May 2021, 17:07

You will have a little "in/out" (axial) movement of the axle between the CV joints. That's normal. The axle should not move laterally (up/down or side-to-side).

The axle most definitely should NOT move in and out of the hub or transmission.

Post by **Sveedy** » 16 May 2021, 19:25

I guess I'm not describing it well. Yes, axial play. It looks like the shaft and boot move in and out a little as one, so I don't know if that's just play in the CV joints or something else. I have another long drive tomorrow so I'll see if there is any vibration etc.
Probably just being paranoid..

Post by **Chuck W** » 16 May 2021, 20:45

Yeah, the CV joints do have some play in them.

As long as they don't rattle when you try and move the axle up and down or side-to-side, you're probably fine.

Post by **abscate** » 17 May 2021, 04:00

Axial play in the CVS isn’t just normal, it’s essential for operation. It can be almost a cm to travel when tugged by hand.

Post by **Sveedy** » 17 May 2021, 18:12

Much smoother after rotation. Getting close to tire time. About at the wear indicators.