It started a couple of weeks ago. A little rattle when I hit a bump. I figured that it was a worn shock. You know, the bushing wears out and the shock just rattles on the bolt. So I finally get to pull the tire off, and the shock was fine. So upon further inspection, I notice some oil on the front axle. I start trying to wiggle the u-joints to see if they're loose, and the whole axleshaft moves. I can actually move it up and doen and all around about 1/4" or so. So my questions are this. What parts most likely need to be replaced? I can't get any good breakdown of it in my manual. Is there a bearing? If so, how can a bearing wear to much to allow that kind of play? And with whatever has gone on so far, what are the chances that there is any other differential damage from the leaking oil?

 

what kind of mileage do you have on this truck? how are the universal joints? If they are bad it might have had an adverse effect on the beraings inside the hub or hubs.. Where is the oil leaking from? Do you have the infamous "hangers" on the shafts (dust seals that the rings broke off and ride the shafts) "round and round"

We need a bit more info. There is a great write up in here about pulling the hubs and maintenance of them. If you do these things yourself I would get a case of beer and get ready for a long weekend of maintenance. (IF IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE YOU DID ANY MAINTNENANCE)

Check you fluid level in the diff. amke sure you aren't running low. There are 2 sets of bearings in the hub. ONe is machined in and non replaceable the other is a set of needle bearings that are. Jack the truck up and grab hold of the wheel at the 12:00 and 6:00 times. Try to move the tire up and down at these "times" if you get a lot of play you might want to tear down and take a peek. I believe someone said on here O'reily's is one of the cheapest places to get a hub if you need it. Around 200.00 I am not sure what that includes though.

Do youself a favor and check it out closely first before you get excited.

 

Milage is at 221,600. Yes, I have the "hangers" the wheel itself doesn't move around, The ujoints appear to be solid, but I have some odd tire wear on the inside of the tire. I had the lower ball jonts done last year The oil leak appears to have been from the end of the axel tube. I'm not afraid of blowing the whole weekend doing the project, I just can't afford ANY down time during the week, so I want to make sure that I get all of the parts I need ahead of time, as well as any other preventative things that I should take care of while it's apart.

 

Also, are there any special tools needed for this project?

 

I would almost garuntee if it feels like the rattle is at the bottom of your feet you need to replace your sway bar bushings I know it may sound simple but i bet that is it

 

No, I did them last year. It's definately the axle rattling

 

So after some more searching here, would most of you agree that it's probably the needle bearings?

 

OK, everything is pulled apart. the needle bearing was rusted up, so besides replacing the needle bearing, according to Guzzle, I'll have to replace the outer shaft also. How much fun can one guy have on a Wednesday night?

 

Yeah, if the needle bearings are shot, the outer shaft has to be replaced.