Just installed cv axle, how much play at differential is normal?

[MarkinWMich]

This was my first time replacing a cv axle, so I have no experience with this. I have a few millimeters of "play" at the differential. I can slide the large black housing in and out with my hands. I am a little worried I may have some other issue.

 

[Goldrush]

When u say u have play, where at exactly? At the pinion?

 

[MarkinWMich]

The "play" is at the cv axle - differential interface. Where the side differential oil seal is at.

I checked the other side. There is some play in that side too, but that is an original with 130,000 miles on it. I don't know. It just seems be "too loose" for what I am thinking it should be, but like I said, I don't have ANY experience with what is normal and not.

Like I said in the first post, I just replaced it. Maybe I am just questioning my work and/or the new cv axle.

 

[bob3dsf]

Are you seeing this with the wheel back on and axle nut torqued, etc.?

OEM/OEM reman or aftermarket (cardone/NAPA/etc.)?

If that little clip/ring on the end of the inner shaft popped in and seated, you ought to be alright I suppose. When I get a chance I'll try to see if mine has any play. I don't remember noticing when I swapped mine though.

There was another recent thread which basically asked the same thing and had pics of the inner dust cover. It looked like there was movement (small) about equal to the thickness of the metal dust cover flange. There have been reports of apparently ill-fitting aftermarket axles, but I don't think its been a really deal. No mass returns, etc.

Second guessing yourself:
When I did my pass. side, I was mostly sure I got the axle seal seated correctly (that side gave others trouble). I saw where the original was and the new one went in and felt like it was where it needed to be. After I got it all back together I though I had a tiny weeping leak (moist looking). But after keeping an eye on it, the last two times I looked it seemed pretty clear that it's not leaking. I didn't grease the contact face of the oil seal where it meets the axle dust cover so I though that might contribute to a small leak. I was starting to go OCD on it but it looks fine now. I know how you feel...

 

[Goldrush]

All your feeling is the side gear backlash of the gears in the differential. Completely normal. Run it.

 

[MarkinWMich]

Thanks for the feedback.

I did some searching on the Tacoma forum. Someone had actually posted a video on YouTube showing the exact thing I was concerned about. Supposedly, the dealership told this person that this was normal. Another poster had actually checked a new vehicle on the lot, and it too, had some play.

I get really "OCD" about things like this. I have mechanical skills and the tools, but when it is something I have zero experience with, I can get real anxious about it and question myself.

 

[2StepsAhead]

Thanks for the feedback.

I did some searching on the Tundra forum. Someone had actually posted a video on YouTube showing the exact thing I was concerned about. Supposedly, the dealership told this person that this was normal. Another poster had actually checked a new vehicle on the lot, and it too, had some play.

I get really "OCD" about things like this. I have mechanical skills and the tools, but when it is something I have zero experience with, I can get real anxious about it and question myself.

Can you post the link? Im having some cv issues myself...cant track down my noise, wondering if the play I have is normal.

 

[MarkinWMich]

Can you post the link? Im having some cv issues myself...cant track down my noise, wondering if the play I have is normal.

I lied, it was a Tacoma, not a Tundra. At any rate, here is the link:

Tacoma 4x4 front axle movement - YouTube

Or do a search for: "Tacoma 4x4 front axle movement - YouTube"

I've had the 4Runner out today without any wierd noises or vibrations. No fluid leaks, either. I think I'm OK.

 

[cjdave72]

loose axle thump sound

I put spacer lift on wife's 2004 sr5. Shortly after started hearing thump on bumps. Checked all nuts and bolts and finally grabbed cv axle and it moved vertically at differential and made the this sound. I replaced it and still same play and sound. I took it out again and inspected everything. Bearings and splints look and feel fine. Axle was hard to remove and replace so I think it's seated properly but still play and thus on almost all bumps. Any ideas?

 

[adkfinn]

EDIT: Got wrapped up using the alternate search and ended up resurrecting this old thread. Sorry gang!



Read here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/158445-bad-cv-joint-front-differential.html

Then go here:

TOYOTA 8" CLAMSHELL CV AXLE BUSHING

My drivers side is exhibiting the same symptoms that are described in this thread and on the ECGS page. My boots are good aside from a little slippage on the shaft, this bearing looks like the potential solution.

 

[JimInTN]

EDIT: Got wrapped up using the alternate search and ended up resurrecting this old thread. Sorry gang!



Read here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/158445-bad-cv-joint-front-differential.html

Then go here:

TOYOTA 8" CLAMSHELL CV AXLE BUSHING

My drivers side is exhibiting the same symptoms that are described in this thread and on the ECGS page. My boots are good aside from a little slippage on the shaft, this bearing looks like the potential solution.

The v8 4Runner has a bushing from the factory instead of the needle bearing like the taco has. I can't speak for the v6 4Runner as I haven't had one of those apart.

 

[adkfinn]

The v8 4Runner has a bushing from the factory instead of the needle bearing like the taco has. I can't speak for the v6 4Runner as I haven't had one of those apart.

Based on my reading the V6 03-09's have the needle bearing like the taco does. ECGS's website seems to confirm that. Seems like a simple upgrade, I will report back when I pull mine apart (in a month or so).