Bad axle bearings??

[sjc115]

I'm new to 4x4's, so I'm sure sure if what I saw I normal or not. I was changing the locking hubs on my '79 CJ7 and the stub axle that the hub slides onto had a fair amount of 'vertical' play in it. I.E. it seemed like the bearing in the axle was loose. It definitely was not the wheel bearings. I checked and readjusted those already and they are in good shape. Once the locking hub is bolted into place, I reached in and tried to wiggle the axle/u-joint from the backside, and it had a very small amount of play. Is this play normal, or do I need to replace the outboard bearings in the axle tube?

 

[Purple77CJ7]

If the wheel bearings are ok, then it might be the ball joints. There should be very little to no play.

 

[mtnwhlr]

 

[sjc115]

The ball joints do not have any play.

See diagram in link below.
It is the stub axle (item 20) that the locking hub slides onto that had play in it when the locking hub was removed. With everything put back together you have to reach behind the wheel and grab onto the axle/stub axle u-joint (where items 19, 20 and 21 come together) to feel any play. The play is not in the u-joint either, but where the axle (item 21) goes into the axle housing. I hope that makes sense.

Link to diagram:
http://www.discountjeepparts.com/images/products/omix/d30.pdf

 

[Purple77CJ7]

Yes, with the locking hub off there will be some play. The hub holds the outer end of the shaft with a snap ring. The whole axle shaft will move in and out some, it is a full float axle. So I think your ok.

 

[sjc115]

Yes, with the locking hub off there will be some play. The hub holds the outer end of the shaft with a snap ring. The whole axle shaft will move in and out some, it is a full float axle. So I think your ok.

It did move in and out, but should there be any up and down or side to side movement in it? I'm not sure what exactly a full float axle means yet, so forgive me if that is a stupid question.

 

[Old Dog]

A little play is normal. If the spindle bearing was that bad it would probably be making a lot of noise by now.

 

[Purple77CJ7]

There is a small bearing on the back side of the spindle, it supports the stub shaft next to the u-joint, it will let the outer part of the stub shaft move around some with out the support of the looking hub.

 

[sjc115]

Thanks guys. Being new to this I wanted to make absolutely sure I wasn't causing unnecessary damage by not addressing it. The movement just seemed unnatural when the locking hub was removed.

Thanks again!