Front/Driver 4WD Half Shaft Loose/Wobbles

[wildcatgoal]

A month ago or so I replaced all of the bearings and seals that can be serviced without opening the front differential including, of course, the driver side axle bearing and seal (inner, on the diff itself). I did this because it was leaking ever so slightly on the driver's side and I figured I'd buy a full kit and just replace every bearing/seal I could since I was already going to be under there. Everything went wonderfully. Fast forward to today and I'm noticing that the half shaft (this one) that slides into the front diff on the driver side is able to be wobbled by hand and, of course, pry bar. I can pry bar it out just a little bit but it won't fully slide out.

When I replaced the bearing and seal in this area, I did so properly, I'm confident of that. I remember there was some wobble play before replacing the bearing and that play seemed to be gone afterward. But now it's back and if I vigorously shake it, I can hear a similar clunking to what I've been hearing while driving.

I'll put the truck up on a lift AGAIN and take the half shaft out, but I don't remember it being worn or anything. It really shouldn't be able to wobble like it does unless something in the diff has gone out. When 4WD is on, I don't hear any noise and there's no ridiculous amount of play in the front axles when engaged. 4WD works well and the only issue with my 4WD is the transfer case needing an overhaul.

Any ideas why this half shaft is so wobbly when mounted. I did catch the C-clip when I installed it...

 

[Fless]

A month ago or so I replaced all of the bearings and seals that can be serviced without opening the front differential including, of course, the driver side axle bearing and seal (inner, on the diff itself). I did this because it was leaking ever so slightly on the driver's side and I figured I'd buy a full kit and just replace every bearing/seal I could since I was already going to be under there. Everything went wonderfully. Fast forward to today and I'm noticing that the half shaft (this one) that slides into the front diff on the driver side is able to be wobbled by hand and, of course, pry bar. I can pry bar it out just a little bit but it won't fully slide out.

When I replaced the bearing and seal in this area, I did so properly, I'm confident of that. I remember there was some wobble play before replacing the bearing and that play seemed to be gone afterward. But now it's back and if I vigorously shake it, I can hear a similar clunking to what I've been hearing while driving.

I'll put the truck up on a lift AGAIN and take the half shaft out, but I don't remember it being worn or anything. It really shouldn't be able to wobble like it does unless something in the diff has gone out. When 4WD is on, I don't hear any noise and there's no ridiculous amount of play in the front axles when engaged. 4WD works well and the only issue with my 4WD is the transfer case needing an overhaul.

Any ideas why this half shaft is so wobbly when mounted. I did catch the C-clip when I installed it...

Is the axle wobble in and out, or is it like the bearing is not supporting it? I'm kind of curious about this because my DS one is leaking enough that the fix will be in the near future.

 

[wildcatgoal]

It's like the bearing is not supporting it.

Last night, I did some investigation and pulled the stub shaft out, looked it over (looks fine), felt up the new bearing to see if maybe it's broken (it seems fine), and checked the CV axle (I think it's fine, too). Reinstalled the stub shaft and slammed it good and hard into place... it stopped wobbling like it did. So I reinstalled everything and prior to any drive, still not wobbing. I'm suspecting it may have actually come out past the C-clip on its own somehow... which is concerning - that shouldn't be possible. I'll let it ride for now and check it later.

 

[Fless]

It's like the bearing is not supporting it.

Last night, I did some investigation and pulled the stub shaft out, looked it over (looks fine), felt up the new bearing to see if maybe it's broken (it seems fine), and checked the CV axle (I think it's fine, too). Reinstalled the stub shaft and slammed it good and hard into place... it stopped wobbling like it did. So I reinstalled everything and prior to any drive, still not wobbing. I'm suspecting it may have actually come out past the C-clip on its own somehow... which is concerning - that shouldn't be possible. I'll let it ride for now and check it later.

Did you have to use a slide hammer to remove it? If not, what worked? Just getting my thoughts in place for when I do mine....

 

[CTUBS8732]

So the axles can pop out by themselves? Cause I’m having this same issue. They are wobbly and have a lot of play on both sides. Also at slow speeds I can hear what sounds to be brake noise but it’s not. Like scraping and clunking every half spin of the wheel. Kinda like a warped rotor and wobbly pads.