Should this have play to it?

[Thorgan112]

ok, so something on my front end has been insanely loose. I went under a week ago to take a look and found my cv axle had a ripped boot. This one had been ripped once before too so I had the whole axle replaced. I have remanufactured cvs on both sides of my truck. So unfortunately, even after replacing that axle shaft, the noise/ loose part is still there. I actually think its getting worse. I went and took a look today, and the only part I found loose was the base of the cv axle shaft. It was was loose on both sides. Now when I say loose, I mean, literally enough play to just feel it wiggle clockwise and couter clockwise. Here is a pic of the piece I am talking about. If this shouldn't have play in it please let me know, because it is like that on both sides. If that isn't the problem I am back to square 1! :bash:

 

[Jc12]

I would say no as I remember there being a snap ring and having to pop that part out when replacing it. Could just be a faulty snap ring

 

[Thorgan112]

I would say no as I remember there being a snap ring and having to pop that part out when replacing it. Could just be a faulty snap ring

I'm gonna assume the snap ring is on the inside? I just find it weird the mechanic wouldn't have put it on, and that it is the same way on both sides. If they aren't supposed to move though I'll bring it back to this guy and tell him he messed something up.

 

[Jc12]

I remember having to align a pry bar with the lip of the cv (part that you photod) and hammer it in for the snap ring to lock. Take it back to the mechanic and have him look for sure. Do they move laterally and up and down?

 

[Thorgan112]

I remember having to align a pry bar with the lip of the cv (part that you photod) and hammer it in for the snap ring to lock. Take it back to the mechanic and have him look for sure. Do they move laterally and up and down?

Nope, they only move in a circular motion, it's not like they move move, just able to wiggle them in a circular motion, a little more than 1/32 of an inch I'd say. It's just enough to make me think that when I hit bumps, they're what's causing the insane rattle that I'm hearing.

 

[drdolittlerwc]

You mentioned the 'play' is counter-clockwise and clockwise. So, is it a rotational 'play' or an in & out movement.

The snap ring should come installed on the shaft, hence the rapping on the unit to get it to seat.

If it is a rotational movement, is that with the wheel off the ground?

 

[drdolittlerwc]

It's just enough to make me think that when I hit bumps, they're what's causing the insane rattle that I'm hearing.

When was the last time you checked your ball joints?

 

[Thorgan112]

You mentioned the 'play' is counter-clockwise and clockwise. So, is it a rotational 'play' or an in & out movement.

The snap ring should come installed on the shaft, hence the rapping on the unit to get it to seat.

If it is a rotational movement, is that with the wheel off the ground?

That's with the wheel on the ground, just to be clear, idk if I worded it wrong before, it's not the wheel that has the play, it's the actual base of the cv axle, literally the metal block that the arrow is pointing at. And I had my mechanic check my ball joints about 8 months ago, they were fine then. Other than the wheel test where you wiggle the actually tire, I'm not quite sure how else you check them.

 

[Thorgan112]

anyone else got any input!?

 

[Jc12]

the gap between your CV and differential looks irregular as i believe mine were flush. Im a few thousand miles from my truck otherwise id take a peek underneath, someone will chime in soon.

 

[T4Ryota4life]

Here is a pic of my passenger side replacement nampa cv. My oem looks like it fits a little closer.

 

[T4Ryota4life]

Here is a pic of my drivers side oem cv.

 

[nicolasballia]

I don't think that's your problem, my cvs have that same play also and I've replaced them both sides several times, never heard a weird noise. They look properly installed. You're problem must be somewhere else. Check to see that all your bolts are properly tightened, look at your sway bar also. Those suckers can be noisy when loose.

 

[GhostDog]

If the cvs have rotational play and on both sides then it's either your ring and pinion that has play (most likely) OR the teeth on both CVs are excessively worn (unlikely).

 

[Thorgan112]

Here is a pic of my passenger side replacement nampa cv. My oem looks like it fits a little closer.

I went under again and took a look at mine, the shadowing in the picture made mine look farther off than they are. they are pretty close, just about the same as yours. any other thought? i am stumped

Here is a pic of my drivers side oem cv.

thanks!

I don't think that's your problem, my cvs have that same play also and I've replaced them both sides several times, never heard a weird noise. They look properly installed. You're problem must be somewhere else. Check to see that all your bolts are properly tightened, look at your sway bar also. Those suckers can be noisy when loose.

I checked the sway bar and the links, its not them. I actually just replaced those about 5,000 miles ago. any other thoughts?

If the cvs have rotational play and on both sides then it's either your ring and pinion that has play (most likely) OR the teeth on both CVs are excessively worn (unlikely).

if its the rack and pinion any thoughts?

 

[nevada]

ok, so something on my front end has been insanely loose. I went under a week ago to take a look and found my cv axle had a ripped boot. This one had been ripped once before too so I had the whole axle replaced. I have remanufactured cvs on both sides of my truck. So unfortunately, even after replacing that axle shaft, the noise/ loose part is still there. I actually think its getting worse. I went and took a look today, and the only part I found loose was the base of the cv axle shaft. It was was loose on both sides. Now when I say loose, I mean, literally enough play to just feel it wiggle clockwise and couter clockwise. Here is a pic of the piece I am talking about. If this shouldn't have play in it please let me know, because it is like that on both sides. If that isn't the problem I am back to square 1! :bash:

disregarding the cv axles, what actual problem are you having?

 

[GhostDog]

if its the rack and pinion any thoughts?

The ring and pinion when worn will have rotational play that can be seen at the CVs. if is very minimal play thats OK. however this will not cause a rattle sound.

if the CVs have severe (greater than 1/16") play in terms of pushing and pulling out of the differential then it could be the snap ring. This also wont cause a rattle sound.

 

[Link817]

if the cv wasn't seated the diff would leak fluid, looks clean to me. cv will spin free or should.
you can drain the front diff and if chunks come out your problem is there but mine had a roar not a rattle for that.