Axle End Play

[RUSTY]

I got my MM back from dealer following axle seal change and i decided to install my new KVR rotors. I found 3 lug nuts loose and stipped,i think they used a hammer to loosen rusted on disk resulting in damaged lug threads and the end of the axle that fits into wheel distorted. Anyway, to get to the question,just how much end play should there be on the axle? I can move my axle in and out of the diff a good .100 thou. of an inch. I am wondering if they damaged any thing else.
Any help is welcomed thanks, RUSTY

[HwyCruiser]

I had my stock axle end play mic'ed when I was looking to do the rear Wilwoods awhile back, they were at 0.030".

0.100" sounds a little on the high side, but hopefully someone will be along shortly with the factory specs. Seems like the width of the c-clips would be the determining factory in the end-play though.

[SergntMac]

Factory specs call for a maximum of .075 end play, according to Ford's book. I learned this from my Moser axle upgrade, where they also felt loose. Specd them out, came in at .073. My wrench was a tad concerned, but felt it would be okay.

[RUSTY]

Thanks for the quick response. The @#$% workmanship at my dealer has really pissed me off. Thanks to this sight i feel better going to my dealership armed and ready.(technical facts that is)
thanks Rusty

[HwyCruiser]

I'm just wondering if the end-play changed due to the recent work or if yours were always this loose. I still can't figure out how it would have changed unless they swapped c-clips on you... unless the did a LOT of hammering. :confused:

[RUSTY]

Well the end of the axle, the part that fits into the wheel has mushroomed out to the point that to install the rim i have to tighten the lugnuts in a crisscross pattern to press it flat against the rotor hub. On the other side ther is a large hammer ding on axle end that has taken a chunk out of my rim.To put the wheel back on it has to be aligned like a key way.
Does anyone know if the end of the axle centers the rim or if it is the lug nuts? and can the lugs on these axles be pressed out to be replaced?

[RoyLPita]

The axle centers the rim.

If the place screwed up your car, have them fix it. Have them replace the studs and grind woen the hamer indentation or the whole axle shaft with the correct rear end fluid and friction modifier.

As for the end play, there should not be any worries there because the axles are held in with C-clips and the spider gear pin shaft.

Just my .02 and then some.

BTW, Keep us posted on the ongoing ordeal.

[SamF]

I got my MM back from dealer following axle seal change and i decided to install my new KVR rotors. I found 3 lug nuts loose and stipped,i think they used a hammer to loosen rusted on disk resulting in damaged lug threads and the end of the axle that fits into wheel distorted. Anyway, to get to the question,just how much end play should there be on the axle? I can move my axle in and out of the diff a good .100 thou. of an inch. I am wondering if they damaged any thing else.
Any help is welcomed thanks, RUSTY

I guess the wrench doesnt own a dead blow hammer :rolleyes:

Take it back and tell them to do the right thing here...

Sam

[RUSTY]

I should up at my ford dealer first thing this morning armed with photos that i had taken when i had the wheel off. I was ready for an argument, but my wife had told me to try to be calm. I mentioned the five loose lug nuts, showed them the photos and like wildfire i was in the shop managers office and the car was soon in the lift. I really don't like standing in front of the mechanic as he repairs the damage, but i felt it was necessary. The mechanic apologized for his shoddy work and proceded to dress the axle stubs with a rotary grinder fallowed by file and emery cloth. Three new studs, 4 new nuts and a leaking diff cover resealed and all was well.
I was asssured that The end play in the axle that i saw was normal.
I mentioned to the mechanic that my wheel weights were not adhearing and that i wanted the continentalsportcontact4x4 tire that they mounted reballanced. He told me that they couldn't balance them properly because of the type of weight we use and i should go to a more performance oriented shop to have the work done.
I think i might go to a more performance oriented shop for all my work from now on.