12 bolt rear axle question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BCOWANWHEELS · 08-19-2009, 10:10 PM

i just installed new wheel bearings and seals in my 12 bolt rear axle. its in my 1972 1/2 ton. i installed everything just as it came out and in same order. i noticed today i can move both tires in and out about 1/4" seems like. i installed the c-clips just like they came out same with the cross pin & pin retainning bolt in my eaton posi. is this normal ? i realize you have to be able to push the axle inwards to remove the c-clips but i thought once you put the cross pin back in the carrier the end of the axle shaft you shouldnt have 1/4 inch play should I ?
ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED
BOB

rwolf9653 · 08-20-2009, 08:08 AM

1/4 inch may be a little excessive, but there is usually some back and forth play due to the space between the center pin and axle. If you are really concerned then pull the diff cover and have someone push/pull while you watch and see where the play is, and how it may be fixed if it is too much.

BarryB · 08-20-2009, 11:10 AM

^ Yeap I agree, I've swapped out several, there is some in,and out movement but like said 1/4" is excessive. have you actually mearured the play or just guessitmating??
Aslong as the C-clip doesn't have room to fall out, you should be fine.

BCOWANWHEELS · 08-20-2009, 01:54 PM

i was just guessing the amount. i have the cover off so i,ll take another look. thanks guys
bob

**DA68** · 08-20-2009, 02:16 PM

I've seen anywhere from 1/8" - 1/4" movement. If you can't pull the axle out of the housing, you should have no concerns. Good idea to pull the cover and make sure.

BCOWANWHEELS · 08-20-2009, 04:16 PM

Thanks

BCOWANWHEELS · 08-20-2009, 08:39 PM

Checked into it further today. I have 1/8" play on eack side.. So i flushed the diff out, cleaned it all up real good, siliconed the rear cover then installed the gm posi additive and filled the diff with castrol syn gear 80-140 synthetic gear lube. Should be good for the rest of my life or 250k which ever comes first...
Oh yea i installed napa new wheel bearings and new timken oil seals on the wheels and pinion.

08-19-2009, 10:10 PM	#1
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	12 bolt rear axle question i just installed new wheel bearings and seals in my 12 bolt rear axle. its in my 1972 1/2 ton. i installed everything just as it came out and in same order. i noticed today i can move both tires in and out about 1/4" seems like. i installed the c-clips just like they came out same with the cross pin & pin retainning bolt in my eaton posi. is this normal ? i realize you have to be able to push the axle inwards to remove the c-clips but i thought once you put the cross pin back in the carrier the end of the axle shaft you shouldnt have 1/4 inch play should I ? ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED BOB __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

08-20-2009, 08:08 AM	#2
rwolf9653 more ideas than money Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: spring grove, pa Posts: 1,068	Re: 12 bolt rear axle question 1/4 inch may be a little excessive, but there is usually some back and forth play due to the space between the center pin and axle. If you are really concerned then pull the diff cover and have someone push/pull while you watch and see where the play is, and how it may be fixed if it is too much. __________________ Randy 1948 Chevy 3100 5 window 1966 Chevy C30 Dually 1967 Chevy K10 1972 Chevy K20 1972 Chevy C10 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer 1987 Chevy V10 2003 Chevy Suburban

08-20-2009, 11:10 AM	#3
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: 12 bolt rear axle question ^ Yeap I agree, I've swapped out several, there is some in,and out movement but like said 1/4" is excessive. have you actually mearured the play or just guessitmating?? Aslong as the C-clip doesn't have room to fall out, you should be fine. __________________ We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp; some are pretty;and some are dull. Some have weird names; and all are different colours;but they all have to live in the same box. You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person. * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. Two rules in life. 1. Never sweat the small stuff! 2. Everything is small stuff!

08-20-2009, 01:54 PM	#4
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: 12 bolt rear axle question i was just guessing the amount. i have the cover off so i,ll take another look. thanks guys bob __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

08-20-2009, 02:16 PM	#5
DA68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 967	Re: 12 bolt rear axle question I've seen anywhere from 1/8" - 1/4" movement. If you can't pull the axle out of the housing, you should have no concerns. Good idea to pull the cover and make sure.

08-20-2009, 04:16 PM	#6
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: 12 bolt rear axle question Thanks __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

08-20-2009, 08:39 PM	#7
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: 12 bolt rear axle question Checked into it further today. I have 1/8" play on eack side.. So i flushed the diff out, cleaned it all up real good, siliconed the rear cover then installed the gm posi additive and filled the diff with castrol syn gear 80-140 synthetic gear lube. Should be good for the rest of my life or 250k which ever comes first... Oh yea i installed napa new wheel bearings and new timken oil seals on the wheels and pinion. __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

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