explorer rear axles

[quadwrecker]

Hello all from new member. Firstly, must say big thanks to Gavin for the great pictures and info on stripping down the rear axle on Explorer.
Unfortunately, mine just failed its yearly test on supposed rear wheel bearings, so i took on the task. I happened upon the forum site through google, and came across Gavins` step by step do it or pay someone else procedure.
Pretty straight forward really, after waiting a few days for the new bearings and seals to come from the U.S. ($55.00 by the way for both inc. shipping to spain-not bad i thought). I did make my own bearing puller after searching with no luck for the ones i know i used to have but now don`t! Pixies, it`s always them pixies, they get everywhere, and you never see them.
So, everything gets put back together, diff oil refilled (that`s so annoying, why don`t they put the filler hole at the other side behind the spare wheel, it would save so much time and bad language)!!!!!!!!! On go the brakes, tires, axle stands and blocks out, but wait, i`m sure i heard a noise. So up it goes again, only one side at a time, and sure enough the axle still has play on it, in and out. So does anyone what the problem is.
I`m stood here now scratching my head, the c clips are on, new bearings and seals installed, although the old ones did not seem to have a problem, and still the axles move. Or are they meant to?

 

[obie]

The axle shafts will have a small bit of movement in and out due to the c-clip design. If you want to measure it, get a dial indicator or a nice 64ths ruler, if it's less than 1/8" each side you're good. Did you check the axle shafts for wear where they sit inside the bearing?

 

[Turdle]

Do you have the "S" clip in?

I think there will be a tad of in and out movement --but it should be less than 1/4"

 

[quadwrecker]

thanks for your replies guys. Everything is in place but i did not really check for any wear on the axle before i put it back together. I know, i know, amateur!!
I had thought that because of the c clip design there would be a little bit of play, unfortunatley one side has more play than the other. I have an appointment with the itv station tomorrow, but i think it will still fail. If so, i will take a serious look at the near side excess play. I think if i drain the diff oil into a nice clean pan i can maybe reuse, i did clean out the diff housing thoroughly before.
I would assume that due to the limited space with this c clip design that repair kits or spacers are not really available!

 

[obie]

How many miles do you have on the Ex, and do you have a limited slip rear differential? Also, which sides has more play, the drivers or passengers?

You can tell your diff by checking either the door tag, or the tag on the axle. Door tag codes can be found here: http://www.explorerforum.com/ntrprize/Axle.htm

If you have a high mileage limited slip, a worn out clutch pack would be the most likely culprit for one side moving substantially more than the other.