I just got started on removing my passengers side CV axle, when i noticed that the "gear shaft" seemed to be a bit loose. Like, 1/8th play in all directions. The driver side one seemed to be more solid, with no play at all.
Is this normal?

 

Im assuming the axle part you slide into the hub?

If so, it shouldn't have to much play, the bushings may have worn down, make sure to grease them up good or else youll get a wierd vibrating sound when cold

 

Do you mean the splined shaft?

 

That thing, coming off the passengers side of the diff, where the CV Axle bolts up w/ the 6 bolts.

 

it should have a little bit of play, but not much. The c-clip tends to wear out allowing it to be a little loose in there.

 

So, if theres a little bit of play, then will there be any noise?

Oh yeah, and any tips for getting this CV axle off? The thing is on there at factory spec tight. It's never been replaced. (former grandpa-truck)

 

Use an impact gun!

 

I cant fit mine up in there.

 

Bump
Took off the CV, and found that there was almost 1/4" of play in all directions on that output flange deal on the differential...

 

Mine's got some excess play too. No leaks or vibrations though. I think it's called a stub axle.

 

If its not leaking gear oil your fine. Mine has play in it. Those CV's are mounted on to the axle flange with studs. I used a "cheater pipe" to break them loose. I also pressed them out of the flange and replaced them with grade #8 bolts to make future replacements easier, this is a good idea if you really wheel it hard and break the CV joint (but I've never had to replace one for breakage did make removal of driverside easier.

 

Well, i've got the entire front diff out right now. The CV joint felt fine to me and my dad. When you spin that "stub axle" as you call it, theres a very noticeable vibration and clicking. And you can pull the stub axle in and out almost a half inch... I think some mud got in the bearing on the drivers side of the differential, and thats the noise i'm hearing..

This truck doesn't get wheeled hard, just a DD and some very mild 4x4ing.

 

Update: Took it to a reputable shop in town, guy said that the play was normal but i most likely had bearing issues. He said he'd tear it down and if the bearings need redone he'd do it for the price of the bearing kit+labor.

 

Well, the guy at the shop told me over the phone to look at the bushing on the spindle. What i found was, a rusted bushing with no sign of lubrication for the past 5 years.

 

If you're running stock gears (4.10's) someone on this board will no doubt be happy to sell you a whole new front differential for $50. I just scrapped like 3 of them.

 

X2 on find a used one I scrapped my old one after not being able to give it away.

 

diff's fine xD
spindle-bushing on the passenger side, dry as sand.

 

Final Update: Truck is back on the road
No squeels, squabbles, chirps, or any type of howling to be heard. Now i need to make one of those spindle packers like in a thread i read!