'91 XLT 4×4 w/auto lock hubs: stub axle concern
Question:
I have taken the wheels/calipers/rotors/etc off on both driver & passenger sides of the vehicle in diagnosing some problems in the front end and have discovered something…. I have what seems to be excessive play with the seating of the front stub axles in the spindles – I can actually grab the stub axle on the drive side, and move it up/down/left/right quite easily on the drivers side. The passenger side is also fairly mobile, but it only seems to be "loose" in one direction, and not as bad as the drivers side. Should there be any play here at all? If so, how much? Also, I had trouble getting the spindles off last night, and it was late so I simply sprayed some penetrating oil on/around the spindle in hopes that it will loosen up a bit by this evening. Any suggestions on ways to break those stuborn spindles free? Thanks for any and all help, Jeff
Response:
Hi Jeff: >I have taken the wheels/calipers/rotors/etc off on both driver & >passenger sides of the vehicle in diagnosing some problems in the front >end and have discovered something…. >I have what seems to be excessive play with the seating of the front >stub axles in the spindles – I can actually grab the stub axle on the >drive side, and move it up/down/left/right quite easily on the drivers >side. The passenger side is also fairly mobile, but it only seems to be >"loose" in one direction, and not as bad as the drivers side. Should >there be any play here at all? If so, how much?
The stub axle is supported by the needle bearing inside the spinde and the ball bearing in the end of the auto-hub assembly. You have the hub off, so you can definitely wiggle the end of the stub shaft. How much and which direction are functions of the shaft u-joint alignment when you move the axle. >Also, I had trouble getting the spindles off last night, and it was late >so I simply sprayed some penetrating oil on/around the spindle in hopes >that it will loosen up a bit by this evening. Any suggestions on ways >to break those stuborn spindles free?
I have a bug shot-filled rubber dead-blow hammer, a five pounder. Use a piece of wood to protect the spindle when you hit it with the hammer, or you risk damaging a bearing race or something. It’s a very snug fit, but it will come off. Grease that inner needle bearing on each side, lube the sliding splines on the right side driveshaft, and replace the u-joints while you have it apart. I suspect that the lack of questions on this procedure in the past may be because this is an often-ignored service area. Those inner needle bearings are supposed to be cleaned and greased regularly. Everybody is taking care of that little chore… right? Good Luck! dr bob
Response:
Gee, I’m glad you said that (about the needle bearings). Can you give the correct procedure for getting to them, and what grease do you use? Thanks, Dean
