New to me '74 Scout II 4x4 with Dana 44 front axle, factory disc brakes. First time I've worked on the front. Started to do the brakes. Also, had lock o matics but am converting to manual locking hubs. I have removed the outer and inner wheel bearings and inner seal to replace them all, and found crude in the grease and a damaged seal. That is all cleaned up and will be replaced. My question is now if I grab the outer end of the axle shaft and wiggle it, there is a fair amount of play so that it almost touches the inside of the spindle. Is that normal play that is controlled by the locking hub on the end (when installed), or does it indicate some other damage that needs fixing while I have it apart. I think diagrams show a needle bearing on the inner end of the axle shaft, inside the spindle, and maybe an oil seal in there too. Are they trashed? Thanks for the help!
Front axle shaft play inside spindle
- Thread starter meisterj
- Start date
Scout-It-Out
Member
Mine has a fair amount of play. Yes, it is supported by the locking hub when it's assembled. I would pull the spindle off and inspect that bearing. If it looks ok, pack it with grease.