I was checking the truck for a squeak I couldn't locate and noticed the right rear wheel seemed to be loose. Took the tire off and the axle and brake assembly moved in and out about 1/4 inch. I don't believe that there should be this much play in the axle, or am I wrong? Could it be the bearings? Truck only has 21000 miles on it and I'm under full warranty, should I bring it to the dealer?
Thanks for any advice.

 

If anyone knows whether this condition is typical or something very wrong please let us know. On occassion you can actually feel the rear end move around a little from it. If I just grab the bed and shake, it makes a clunking noise from the movement also.

-John

 

Some play is normal on the Ford hyboid c-clip type rearends. GO to a dealer lot a shake a few new ones. Some have more play than others. NOt sure on any exact spec for good or bad but mine has quite a bit and everything seems to check out fine. I know what you mean about how at least I think I can feel it sometimes. Then again I'm **** about my truck too.

 

Axel play is ok but 1/4" is too much. I put carrier bearings in at around 90k on '98 4x4. Found it when I put axel seals and bearings in by sticking a pry bar between the ring gear and the housing at the bottom and seeing how much up and down slop there was. My carrier bearings were shot big time. Once replaced the axel play was next to gone. The whole job was fairly easy and cheap (around $60).