Front axle issues
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Elder User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 752
Likes: 9
From: NYC
Front axle issues
I had the ball joints and shock replaced on the passenger side front axle about 8 months ago. I was getting an occasional vibration after but I never did anything about it. This morning after I unlocked my hubs, I got a really bad vibration. I looked under the truck and it seems that the outer axle shaft knuckle is hitting the top of the lower ball joint. But it only happens when the hub is unlocked, it seems that when the hub is locked it somehow helps keep the axle in place. If someone could shed some light on what keeps the outer axle from shaking up and down it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
The axle should be held mostly in place by the needle bearing in the hub and the bearing in the lockout. If it's flopping around, you should take it apart and see what's broken.
A good place to start is here: Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page
A good place to start is here: Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page
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Elder User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 752
Likes: 9
From: NYC
Interesting. I wasn't aware that was how it worked. I hope I didn't trash auto hub. If I remove the auto hub, how much play should there be on the axle? I've checked before and there is more play on the passenger side then the driver side but I always attributed that to the iner axle shaft being way longer on the passenger side hence giving it more ability to move up and down.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
Time for some Timkens....You need a unit bearing or two from the sound of your problem coupled with my own experience.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 4
From: North Texas
I agree with Mike. When the Unit bearings on these go, the angle of that stub shaft can change to make it hit the lower ball joint. Depending on what kind of tires you run, it is not uncommon to mistake the hum of a bearing on the way out for tire noise. I would jack up each front corner and with a helper, use a long lever to pry up under the wheel while watching for movement in there. That should help narrow it down if it is a bearing that far gone.
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Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
If I remove the auto hub, how much play should there be on the axle? I've checked before and there is more play on the passenger side then the driver side but I always attributed that to the iner axle shaft being way longer on the passenger side hence giving it more ability to move up and down.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 752
Likes: 9
From: NYC
I should have answered your question. There should be little to no play (up/down/side-to-side) in the u-joint on either side. When that u-joint wobbles, or it moves when you wiggle the tire (jacked up off the ground), your unit bearing is suspect. With as much play as you are describing, it should be making quite a bit of noise going down the road. Walk next to the passenger wheel while someone slowly drives your X backwards and forwards in the street or driveway. You will likely hear it.
Btw, before the ball joints we changed there was quite a lot of play, I think in the lower one, can't remember for sure though. I'm thinking that may have masked ant play in the unit bearing. I didn't check it personally after as my mechanic did the ball joints and it was off the lift by the time I got back to pick it up.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Does your ESOF still work? It's the time to fix it while you have it apart.
You also might have damaged the stub shaft, but you won't know until you get it apart. Just look at where the needle bearing rides and make sure there's no scoring.
Also if your lockouts don't turn easily, good time to fix that too. The link I gave you above also has a link to a page that explains how to disassemble, clean and lube them.
You also might have damaged the stub shaft, but you won't know until you get it apart. Just look at where the needle bearing rides and make sure there's no scoring.
Also if your lockouts don't turn easily, good time to fix that too. The link I gave you above also has a link to a page that explains how to disassemble, clean and lube them.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 752
Likes: 9
From: NYC
Does your ESOF still work? It's the time to fix it while you have it apart.
You also might have damaged the stub shaft, but you won't know until you get it apart. Just look at where the needle bearing rides and make sure there's no scoring.
Also if your lockouts don't turn easily, good time to fix that too. The link I gave you above also has a link to a page that explains how to disassemble, clean and lube them.
You also might have damaged the stub shaft, but you won't know until you get it apart. Just look at where the needle bearing rides and make sure there's no scoring.
Also if your lockouts don't turn easily, good time to fix that too. The link I gave you above also has a link to a page that explains how to disassemble, clean and lube them.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 752
Likes: 9
From: NYC
Haha....yeah. Thankfully this winter hasn't really been much so there hasn't been much salt out. And for some reason they barely salted before the last storm. Really could have helped, there's was a ton of icing Friday morning. I just try to get a car wash more frequently and after long road trips in the salty months. Works well enough for me.
