One rear axle shaft has some end play. Uh oh?

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Hi guys, 23k mile 2003 Marauder. I have not checked the build date yet to know if it is what you guys are calling a "300A" or not.

The driver's side rear axle has a significant amount of in-and-out axial end play. It is quite a bit. The rear brake rotors were stuck when I changed them, and I noticed that pulling and pushing by hand on the right rear rotor caused the whole axle shaft to have a substancial amount of end play. Is this the dreaded wheel bearing/axle problem? I am going to have the dealer look at it, I am still under the 36k/3yr warranty by 2 months. However as always, I have no expectation that the dealer will "find" anything wrong.

If the axle/wheel bearing is the problem, is there an upgraded axle I can buy that will fit my totally stock rear? I don't want to upgrade gears or axle size right now, stock spline count is fine, I just need to get rid of the end play. And I have a slight 45-50 mph vibration that may be related to this issue.

If I pull the axle myself, what type of damage am I looking for? Is this a sealed type bearing like I'm used to from Ford 9's?

[magindat]

This is on TSB.
So, the tech is supposed to be directed to what to look at. If the bearing surface (about a 1/2" band about 3/4" in from the taper) is worn, axles are to be replaced under warranty. The replacement stock axles are made from a different metal. When mine were replaced the new felt (that's felt, I didn't weigh them) heavier than the old.
You may want to search the TSB number here to help direct him.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I found the TSB #, does anyone know the part # for the axle kit if I have to buy it myself from Ford? Will it come w/ new wheel bearings already installed or do I have to do this myself?

[RoyLPita]

Here is the part # for the axle shaft kit: 3W1Z-4A109-AA .

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Super, thanks so much. I'm having the dealer look at it tomorrow. If necessary I'll pull the axles myself and replace if they are bad, and the dealer won't.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I looked online and found the kit for $242. Do I need 2 quantity of the kit, one for each side? Or just one, and it includes both sides?

[magindat]

I looked online and found the kit for $242. Do I need 2 quantity of the kit, one for each side? Or just one, and it includes both sides?

One kit has both axles, bearings (i think) fluid and friction modifier.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Oh, that is very inexpensive then. I thought it was going to be way, way more than that.

[magindat]

Oh, that is very inexpensive then. I thought it was going to be way, way more than that.

I think my kit was like 300 AND I had to get it overnighted in a hurry-up emergency like situation. So, your price is about average.

Still, It's a warranty item if you have warranty left.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I see that the bearing uses the axle as the inner race. How is end play set? Is there an adjuster to set it?

[magindat]

I see that the bearing uses the axle as the inner race. How is end play set? Is there an adjuster to set it?

I WATCHED and HELPED on the install, but am no expert. I don't know this answer. It seemed to me that when the C-Clip was installed inside the gear housing, the endplay was 'automatically' set.

[Zack]

The end play you speak of is 100% normal.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Ah these are C clip axles. No wonder gear lube is included in the kit. LOL I'm a dumbass. I much prefer bolt in axles. Ah crap. 0.075 end play is max allowable. I have a dial indicator kicking around somewhere, I bet I exceed this, it is a lot of end play, I bet it is 0.100" or more easily.

[RoyLPita]

Friction modifier is not included in the kit. That part is extra.

[SamF]

Excessive endplay can also be an indicator of worn LS clutch discs.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Ok here's the update. I force-fed the dealer the TSB # and told them what to look for. Of course they were skeptical, but surprise, they called me back a day later and my 23k mile soft axles are chewed up from the bearings. They are doing the axle kit under warranty. They are also checking the carrier bearings (I actually didn't have to mention that too, I'm impressed) :rolleyes: Hopefully I'll be all set and have no driveline vibrations when they're done.