Rear Axle/Differential Question

[akpackfan]

'71 C10. On the passenger side I can grab my rear wheel and move it about 1/4 inch by pushing and pulling on it and it makes a noteable clunk when doing it. It only has slop went moving it in and out, not up or down or side to side. Does this sound like a differential problem or just an axle bearing? I've never done any differential work but I know about the c-clip that holds the shaft in the differential. Is the clip what prevents any in and out movement of the axle? Any help is appreciated.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Yes. It is the C clips causeing the slack. The clips themselves might be worn, the groove in the axles, or the pin that the axles but up against. Or all the above. A little slack is normal but 1/4 in sounds a little excesive.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by akpackfan

'71 C10. On the passenger side I can grab my rear wheel and move it about 1/4 inch by pushing and pulling on it and it makes a noteable clunk when doing it. It only has slop went moving it in and out, not up or down or side to side. Does this sound like a differential problem or just an axle bearing? I've never done any differential work but I know about the c-clip that holds the shaft in the differential. Is the clip what prevents any in and out movement of the axle? Any help is appreciated.

Fix this right away or you may get to see your passenger side wheel and axle pass you on the road...if you look fast before the truck swaps ends!

The only way the axle can move the way you describe is a worn C-clip or an axle with a worn or damaged C-clip slot. That clip is the only part that holds your axle in the axle tube!

[69 longhorn]

The oldest kid asked me the same? on his ferd exploder(yup 1/4" play on both ends). I told him ,On a drum brake rear...It would rattle the chit out of this old man.....but you are running discs, & those axles wont let you down...the calipers will keep em in check. crazy Al