was changing wheels today and noticed about 1/16 th. in. "end play" in rear axles on my 97 f150 4x4. is this normal or not, and if not what is the fix ???
thanks, firedog

 

Normal and necessary because the axles are held in by C-Clips.

 

thanks aj, appreciate your input.

 

I have same problem but mine is to the point of knocking noise over any bumps from both rear wheels.1997 4+4 auto 4.6 v8. I can make the knock by jacking up rear and pulling wheels in and out,any fix out there.Note no up or down movement or any other noise.please help

 

alden,

When you jack the wheel off the ground, push and pull on the axle, it is going to make noise. I don't think it's really capable of making that much noise going over bumps though. If you hear a bang going over a bump, it's more likely the suspension or the spare tire.

Even if it is the axles that are making this clunk, there's not a lot you can do about it. The axles are held in place against the differential by C-Clips on one side and the pinion shaft on the other. You could open up the differential and take a look, but I don't think you'll see anything in there out of the ordinary.

 

hi aj Many thanks for reply,At first it sounded like the bed was loose so i check bed,suspension,spare and anything i could think of on the rear,eventually got some one to drive slowly over some bumps while i walk alongside and definately knock coming from both rear wheels.Have you ever heard of this.I will be taking cover off differential today to replace oil and gasket.Do think it could be the c-clip and pinion shaft worn to that degree.Man i tell you more problems,check light on,o/d light blinking,surge and misfire on idle also driving.First started at 65-70 on overtaking or under load check most things,but because of where i live cant find anyone or anything to pull codes,apart from problems lovely looking truck admired anywhere i go.Any member please help i love my truck.

 

if its sliding in and out its prolly the center shaft of the differential if its up and down its a wheel bearing

 

Instead of starting a new thread I'll revive this one.

Recently (within the past week) my passanger side rear tire has been making a clunking noise when going around corners or turning sharply (with some speed). I have figured out that it is the axle shaft sliding in and out (maybe 1/16").

Is there any solution to this? I read earlier in the post that a C-clip holds the axle in. This c-clip is in the differential housing itself? If this is what needs replaced, is a weekend mechanic (like myself ) capable of performing the repairs? If so, can you please recommend to me what I would need before I get started.

All of that is assuming that the problem can even be fixed. To fix this am I looking at a whole axle shaft?

Please help,

Steve

 

Nobody has any suggestions?

 

Well to answer your question............there is no problem here! That 1/16" movement is a design feature. It is there in order to install the c-clips. There is no fix for this, as its not a problem and if it were to be removed you would never be able to remove or reinstall your axle shafts. The only thing to check on your diff would be to see if your cross pin has been worn thin inside the diff cover. Make sure you have new oil on hand before you open the diff up. It requires 75W140 synth that is usually only available at dealerships (depending on the area you're in). If you're getting a loud clunk while driving then its something other than the axle shaft sliding 1/16". I would look at shocks, leaf spring bushings, and possibly LS clutch packs if you have one. I would lay odds that its most likely a loose or bad shock, possibly a bushing.

 

Powerstroke-

Thanks for the info. What is the cross pin? Is it attached to the axle itself (inside the differential)? Is it a piece that I could replace myself, without having any special knowledge of setting reae-end gears (i.e. pinion depth, back lash, etc..)?

Also, the clunking only occurs during turns. I don't get any noise while going over bumps. The best I can tell, the clunking noise itself is coming from where the axle shaft hits the axle tube just inside of where the brake is.

Thanks again for your help,

Steve

 

The cross pin is the pin that holds the spider gears in place inside the diff. It does not require any special tools to remove and does not require reseting anything inside the diff. I have my doubts that the cross pin has been worn down by the axle shafts to yield more movement. I have never seen this happen before, though it is not entirely impossible. Typcially that would only have occured after a few hundred thousand miles.