Having an axle replaced

[Davco]

A noise has developed from my rear passenger side axle. I had the tire guy look into it while putting on my coopers (I like these tires) and he showed me how the tire has a little play up and down. It looks like the bearing has started to wear a groove into the axle. The noise isn't terrible and I don't have any leaks so I have decided to just have that one axle changed out. Here is my thought process...advise as you see fit:

1. I will buy the dorman axle 630-214 from summit ($89 kit) and pay the shop $160 to install. I would give it a shot but I have to work in my driveway. Light is limited, its getting cold and the ground is hard....I will pay to have it done.

2. I will not have the other side fixed yet because its not broken. The cost will be double...so there is no benefit to do it now (meaning I don't save on labor).

3. I want to add 4.10 (and tune) but I don't have that in the budget yet. I need something to hold me over for 6-12 months then I will look into a more detailed rebuild.

Tomorrow I will get the book out and see how much fluid I need to buy for the rear. I know I need to add friction modifier to it and I'll research to find out how much. Has there been a more preferred vendor/product for fluid for the rear?

[justbob]

You should change all the bearings and seals due to the metal shavings from the axle and thoroughly clean the inside.


Builder Of Badassery

[martyo]

[QUOTE=Davco;1469774
2. I will not have the other side fixed yet because its not broken. The cost will be double...so there is no benefit to do it now (meaning I don't save on labor).
[/QUOTE]

The cost will not be double.

You will already be in for the labor whether you do one side or both.....

[fastblackmerc]

The cost will not be double.

You will already be in for the labor whether you do one side or both.....

I'd do both while your in there.

[Gryphonzus]

You might also want to check with a good Ford parts dept. and ask them about the axle repair kit (they have them for a fleet recall on the 2003 crown vic). It comes with both axles and all the bearings, fluid, and other stuff needed to do the job. If they can get it have your repair guy call and see what his cost is if his shop orders it. When I did mine it was about $170.00 for the kit. Hope this helps.

[Davco]

The cost will not be double.

You will already be in for the labor whether you do one side or both.....

This shop will charge double the labor. It is $160 per side. I have spoken with a few shops and they all do the same. I have a few others I can call on a see what the SOP is. I'm a fan of doing both sides (it is only a matter of time before the other axle/bearing fails) but I would only save on the cost of 2-3 quarts of fluid.

[96gt4.6]

I'd find a different shop if I were you. Charging that much more when the diff cover is already off, differential cross-pin removed and literally all that it takes it to remove the other tire, brake caliper (two 10mm bolts), ABS sensor (1 10mm bolt), and slide hammer out the other bearing/seal (5 minutes max, 10 minutes total for all listed).

I currently have one on the lift with the same problem. Look how bad the RH side was, that's a hell of a groove:

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q651/Alan_Ledesma/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151021_074830_zpsebawiaqc.jp g

Funny thing is, the LH side wasn't making any noise and had really no play, but it's going south in a hurry:

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q651/Alan_Ledesma/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151021_074837_zpsqoiompdh.jp g

You really need to have the job done right. All the metal from that axle grinding itself up goes into the fluid, which carries it throughout the rear, and gets caught up in the remaining carrier bearings and pinion bearings, so usually the rear end comes apart 3-4 times to get all of it repaired as parts continue to fail.

Yes, it's expensive.......but if you can afford to do it right, do it right....you'll save time/money and frustration in the long run.

On the other hand, it's understandable that one can only do what one is capable of $$ wise at a given time, I see this daily and totally understand that side as well. Nothing wrong with just doing what's destroyed now and moving on.

[wannaMM]

send me a pm if you're interested in a local mechanic that's reasonable.
I'm having BOTH axles replaced--1 charge. turning a pesky rotor b4 reassembly,still WAY less than what you're paying.

[96gt4.6]

Here's what churning through your rear end:

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q651/Alan_Ledesma/Mobile%20Uploads/20151021_082205_zpsrl41fefp.jp g

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q651/Alan_Ledesma/Mobile%20Uploads/20151021_082100_zpsvegwsjvg.jp g

[96gt4.6]

Steel removed from axle tube:

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q651/Alan_Ledesma/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151021_082600_zpsitmsrpgr.jp g

[Davco]

send me a pm if you're interested in a local mechanic that's reasonable.
I'm having BOTH axles replaced--1 charge. turning a pesky rotor b4 reassembly,still WAY less than what you're paying.


PM Sent.


Steel removed from axle tube:



Pictures speak a thousand words (I deleted the pics from your quote).

I'm all for doing it right the first time and I'm not sure why someone wants to charge so much for doing each side when much of the work is already done by pulling the cover and pin. One shop said that these cars have to have the bearing cut off...which is weird that they would say that...and I'm not using that shop.

[96gt4.6]

I totally agree on shopping around.

The shop that said you must cut the bearing off the axle has no clue how these rear ends are set up. They are thinking of the older setups where the bearing was pressed onto the axle shaft along with what we call a 'wedding band' retainer/plate system.

You're on the right track, with a little help from guys here (I'm a professional tech by trade for 11 years now), we'll keep the wolf's from getting to ya!

[RF Overlord]

^^^what 96gt4.6 said^^^

I replaced both axles and bearings on Mary car and it was nice and quiet...for about 2 years, then both axles went bad again as I had not properly cleaned everything and that metal soup got circulated around. Had a professional do it the second time.

My point: don't replace just one side...you'll never get the debris out of the rest of it.

[wannaMM]

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[Davco]

Well, I guess I should update my post with the path/solution to my problem.

I decided to have both axles replaced. This led to the decision to have 4:10s installed. This led to a decision to have a tune (buy a tuner, too). I also decided to have the trac-lok rebuilt while it was opened up.
I called around and ultimately spent this morning 2 hours away at Mo's Speed Shop. The amazing cars in that shop alone made the drive worth it. Ultimately I drove away with new axles, rebuilt trac-lok, and a tuner. We also did a Dyno which was fun to watch. Started with 255/270 and ended with 267/295....completely stock except for new gears. It was a pleasure to deal with Marty and his team and feels good knowing the job was done right. I can't wait for clear weather so I can play a little.

I'm attaching a picture of the worn axle (if this works).

[martyo]

Well, I guess I should update my post with the path/solution to my problem.

I decided to have both axles replaced. This led to the decision to have 4:10s installed. This led to a decision to have a tune (buy a tuner, too). I also decided to have the trac-lok rebuilt while it was opened up.
I called around and ultimately spent this morning 2 hours away at Mo's Speed Shop. The amazing cars in that shop alone made the drive worth it. Ultimately I drove away with new axles, rebuilt trac-lok, and a tuner. We also did a Dyno which was fun to watch. Started with 255/270 and ended with 267/295....completely stock except for new gears. It was a pleasure to deal with Marty and his team and feels good knowing the job was done right. I can't wait for clear weather so I can play a little.

I'm attaching a picture of the worn axle (if this works).

Great seeing you today Dave!

Hope you liked the results!!

[96gt4.6]

Thank you for keeping us updated on the situation, and the resolution!