Rear axle runout

[Blueman2]

Has anyone ever checked the axle flange runout on the end of an axle? If I understand the manual properly, the spec on this is .1 mm or .0039 in.

I am fixing a rear axle seal leak and before tearing apart I decided to check this out. I wire wheeled the wheel mounting surface outside the lugs, all the way around the plate then mounted a dial indicator using a magnetic base.

I pushed the axle in all the way, set the zero on the dial and slowly turned the axle through one revolution. Within half a turn the dial was showing .010, then went to -.004 before going back to zero as I finished the revolution.

I then checked axial end play or bearing backlash. The spec on this is .7mm or .027 in. I pushed the axle all the way in, set the zero on the dial, then pulled the axle out as far as I could. The dial indicated .020 total movement.

I am more concerned about the runout because the manual says if the spec is exceeded, the axle should be replaced. I can't really afford to replace the axle unless it is absolutely necessary. On the other hand, I don't want to be replacing seals and bearings again in a few months.

Has anyone else checked theirs or have any experience with this? This axle was a salvage axle, the original was bent in an accident. I think it was marked with about 177K miles.

I welcome any thoughts.

Thanks.

Blueman2

 

[Singtoe]

You need to check the run out while the axle is out of the housing. It needs to be centered between two points a check for run out that way.

I would replace the seal and roll with it. If the bearing is bad, change it out but it sounds like it is still good.

 

[Blueman2]

I understand your point. The spec for axle shaft runout is about .080 in.

I think what I am measuring is more the face runout of the axle flange. That spec is .0039 in. I presume this is an indication of the wheel mounting surface not being perpendicular to the axle shaft.

I am going to go ahead and do the bearings and the seals. The dealer did seals only last September when the salvage axle was installed. I think they used aftermarket seals and by December we needed a new rotor in the front. I did not think to check the rear at that time but I am guessing the axle was already leaking and the rear brakes were essentially useless. We did not catch it till last week when we needed another rotor on the front.