rear axles

[scavanger]

A while back I had to do some brake work on the back of my 1/2 ton 95 extended cab shortbox Z71.I noticed that I could move the axles up and down slightly.There is no seal leakage. Is this normal or is it axle wear and if so how long will it be before this will cause a problem. The truck has 228k on it.

Scav.

[MORROWMUDDER]

you have up and down movement and not in and out movement correct? with that many miles it would be a good idea to replace the bearings any way if you have not already did at some point. how often have you changed your gear lube? ever notice metal flakes or shiney milky streaks in it? good idea to inspect the lube, it gives ya a good indication on how much wear you are getting. does your diff cover have a magnet on it? those are the best kind to have. but as for the up and down no thats not really a good thing. in and out is pretty normal given a small fraction of an inch that is.

[scavanger]

yep , up and down , it isn't a lot but enough that I can feel it. I have only had the truck for about 10,000 miles and am planning on changing all the gear boxes and the auto trans in the next couple months. I will be sure to check for filings when I do that.Not driving it a lot right now. I need to replace the clutch in my vette before I start on the truck.

Thanks for the reply
Scav.

[stumpuller454]

a little play isn`t horible, in ad out is normal too, there is always movement in the c-clips in the differential. but if your giving the truck a once over bearings are cheap, and its not a bad job really.

[ponie1992]

I would also suggest changing out the axle bearings. They are usually not too bad to change.

[scavanger]

What concerns me is there are no inner races. The bearings ride on the axle. Wouldn't new bearings be a waste with out new axles ? I am thinking it might actually be the axles that are worn rather then the bearings .

Scav.

[mantis]

Originally Posted by scavanger

A while back I had to do some brake work on the back of my 1/2 ton 95 extended cab shortbox Z71.I noticed that I could move the axles up and down slightly.There is no seal leakage. Is this normal or is it axle wear and if so how long will it be before this will cause a problem. The truck has 228k on it.

Scav.

Unless you plan on keeping it a really long time I wouldn't worry about it.Unless you notice it when you are driving or if there is ware on the tires.I think you should be fine.as long as there is not significant play

[jimbo543]

when/if you pull it apart and if the axles are worn, replace the axle bearings with worn axle repair bearings, they are sealed axle bearings complete with seals that ride on the axle shaft farther out so you don't have to buy new axles, all parts stores carry them, also use synthetic lube.

[ponie1992]

Originally Posted by jimbo543

when/if you pull it apart and if the axles are worn, replace the axle bearings with worn axle repair bearings, they are sealed axle bearings complete with seals that ride on the axle shaft farther out so you don't have to buy new axles, all parts stores carry them, also use synthetic lube.

+1.........

[scavanger]

Originally Posted by jimbo543

when/if you pull it apart and if the axles are worn, replace the axle bearings with worn axle repair bearings, they are sealed axle bearings complete with seals that ride on the axle shaft farther out so you don't have to buy new axles, all parts stores carry them, also use synthetic lube.

thanks a bunch I didn't know they had those. The synthetic will be going in both differentials before cold weather hits .


Scav.