I have 97 f-150, and my rear wheels have lots of "lash" in them. You can grab the tire and pull and the rim moves about an 1/8" on the end of the axle. It makes a hell of a rattle. How do i fix??? I heard there's clips in there that could wear.

Please help.

 

There are C clip type things in the pumpkin that hold the axle in place. An 1/8" endplay doesn't seem to bad but there shouldn't be any noise.

-Jon

 

The noise is really aggrivating, going over twisty potholes and bumps makes it thunk back and forth. Does not sound healthy at all..... could be even more than an 1/8 play, that was a rough estimate before.

I need a solution.....

 

Are you sure the rattle you're hearing is coning from the axle? All the ford trucks I've ever owned that had leaf springs rattled because of the bands that held the leafs together. If you can wiggle the bands by hand they are loose enough to make a rattle noise.

 

No its not the leaf springs. I jacked up the rear end and i pulled on each tire/rim assembly and it moves out and in. I do have a problem with axle wrap but this is not the case right now. You can hear a deep thunk when you pull it, like its coming from inside the axle or something. I'm not to mechanical yet, so its hard to explain.

 

I know the sound who are talking about, it worried me a first too. It does make sort of a mettalic thunk when you push in and out. I would say mine has at least an 1/8 of play ans I consider it normal. I actually blocked the front wheels and started it up, the only real sounds I heard on mine were the tire buzzing and maybe the shoes in the drums. What I think you are hearing when you pull on the wheel is the c-clip hitting the bearings, etc.
You could always pull the cover and see what is going on in there to be sure. I did on mine just to check things out and all gears seemed fine not sure about the bearings.

 

Ya i've decided to take off the cover this weekend and look it over. There has to be something wrong, probably not serious....but fixable.
Thanks for trying to help.

 

I was inside the rear differential just a few weeks ago when I replaced axle seals.

My axles have in and out play as well. I know exactly what you're referring to. I'm not sure if this is a problem or not. It would be nice if someone who knows would respond. I don't know if it's always been this way or if it's something that's developed over time.

This is what you'll see when you get the cover off:


If you expect to accomplish much inside the differential, you'll be very disappointed. The only change you can make without special tools and a whole lot of knowledge, is to replace the C-Clips.

If you want to replace the C-Clips and see if that helps, I'll encourage it. I'd love to know if this does any good. I suspect there needs to be some play however, or there would be no lubrication reaching the surface of the clips and the differential side gears.

To remove the C-Clips, you'll need to remove the differential pinion shaft 1st. Once the pinion shaft is out, just slide the axle inwards and you can pull out the C-Clips. DO NOT rotate the gears without the pinion shaft in place or they can fall out.

Unless you have some gear oil already, you'll need to get the differential fluid at a Ford dealer for around $20.00 per Liter. No one seems to stock 75W-140 gear oil and you'll need 2.7 Liters.

Also check to make sure that your axle seals are not leaking. Since you'll be removing the C-Clips anyway, you simply need to pull the axle froim the housing to replace the axle seals. P/N:: Rear Axle Seals E3TZ1S177A $4.74

Use RTV sealant for the differential cover gasket.

 

I doubt you will find much wrong in there or much to play with. All you do is look over the gears and check for metal shavings. Not much way to check the bearing or settings with out the right tools to take it apart. From what I think your describing it is normal. Is it like a metallic hollow thunk or clunk sound? Any other problems, vibrations, jerking, chatter, roaring, whining, etc.
What axle do you have anyway, is it the 8.8. If so that is a hypoid axle which means the pinion gear is below the center line of the ring gear and it's of the semi-flaoting type.
It's still a good idea to pull the cover and look, it never hurts. Do refill with 75w140 wether it be Motorcraft ( use friction modifier if it's an LS), Amsoil (what I run), Redline, etc.

 

if the C-clips are worn or broken the axle would just slip out...

 

I took it apart and mine have a rubber o-ring on each axle shaft end...where the c clip goes. I have the 8.8" 3L55.
The guy at my ford dealer says its also normal to have that noise. I guess its normal for ford to make something ****ty. They say you are supposed to have some slack in there....why is that. That does't make sense to me. All other trucks have barely any.

The c-clips i took out have minimal wear. And you were right...theres not much to do in there. But i like to take things apart. hehe. The end bearings look fine. What other kind of oils could i use for it. 75w90 syn, or do i have to use 75w140. i don't live in arizona so i can see needing that rating. Anyways, thanks for replying.

 

Why is it like that whne other are not? I would say that is because it is a hypoid axle and because the axle are retained by those c-clips. I know the Mustang boys use some type of c-clip eliminators but do not know the details or if it would work on the F150.
Yes, you should go with the 75W140. Why take a chance with a lighter weight oil, especailly if that's a LS rear. I'm not a ASE certified mechanic nor a engineer so it might be all right to use that 75W90. All I'm saying is the old slogan "Pay a little now or a lot later". It's your choice, if you try the other stuff let us know what happens.

Here's a interesting thread for ya, if you haven't seen it.
http://www.f150online.com/forums/sho...threadid=78114