I have been getting a weird grinding / vibration on the drivers side for a little bit now and have just narrowed it down to slop in the drivers side axle..
Is there a bearing on the inside of the axle tube and if not what supports the axle ?? only the hub assembly bearing ?? and its needle bearing ?
Maybe a bad U joint will cause this slop as well ?

thanks for any advice

Kyle

 

There are 2 bearings in the hub assembly I think. The needle bearing is serviceable but the other is not. Jack up that side of the car and gently rock the wheel left-right to check for play. There shouldn't be any.

 

Yup..
I have replaced / serviced them before..
But more specifically what supports the axle ?

Kyle

 

Well to me it looked like it was supported by the differential in the center and the hub at the wheel but I've only had it apart once /shrug

 

Those is my current thoughts..
Upon further inspection.. The hubs needle bearing is FUBAR

Kyle

 

yes ,the needle bearings in the spindle tube that the axle goes through help support the axle.

 

There are two seals involved. One is on the end of the axle tube. The other is a rather large one, it supports the axle as well. If that is bad there will be excess movement in the axle. The small needle bearing in the hub is replaceable.

 

Ok guys..
Main assembly bearing gone in 1 side..
Changed..
other side needle bearing and seal went..
Changed both and axle had a little wear right before the spline. I think it'll be ok though since its clean at the bearing support..

all fixed.. but gonna replace the hub assembly bearing as well when I get 1 ordered..
truck has 175,000 miles..

Kyle