Front Right Axle shaft pulls out of hub.

[mutti_wilson]

I recently broke a u-joint on my rear driveshaft. So to get home i took it out. When i went to put it in 4 wheel, i just got clunking and grinding. I popped the wheel off and noticed the axle just slid in and out. I managed to yank it into the hub and it held till i got home. My wheel bearing was pretty loose but that shouldnt have and effect on it. Is there a circlip or something that holds the axle in place? What would have caused this?

 

[DeRocha]

Bingo..the rear axle shafts are held in place by a "C" clip in the diff. If the clip breaks nothing is keeping the axle shaft from coming out.

 

[mutti_wilson]

my bad. this is on the front axle, i can just move it by the slip yoke, its solid in the diff.

 

[DeRocha]

The front axle is held in place by a "C" clip and a splined washer at the end of the shaft. The washer is visable in this photo as the "C" clip was already removed. It fits into the groved area of the axle shaft. When you remove the "C" clip the axle will only go in an inch or so into the slip joint...

 

[DeRocha]

Are you now trying to remove the stub axle shaft that mounts through the hub?

If you broke a front U-joint on the trail then you should not use 4x4 unless 1) you have removed the broken axle shaft and 2) you have a front locker.

 

[mutti_wilson]

i broke a rear u-joint and limped on the front to get back. I found my problem, i forgot to put the washer and clip back on after doing the spinle nut conversion, i have warn manuals now. Now my problem is i cant get enough room to get the washer and clip in the groove. The other side went on fine. Should i pull the whole thing apart?

 

[DeRocha]

No need to remove anything... The stub axle has just slipped a bit into the spindle this is normal. Just push the U-joint at the Steering knuckle back through. I use a long screwdriver through the u-joint and just pull it back through the spindle. It should move with mild force.

 

[mutti_wilson]

I know it slipped through. I cant pry it far enough, its jamming on something. Seems like it'd be better to take it apart than to force it, when there could be somthing holding it back.

 

[DeRocha]

The shaft will also fit in easier if the spindle is Level with the diff.

There isn't a whole lot inside the spindle to jam anything. Thi photo shows the Stub Axle with the inner spindle seal(s).

Have the U-joints at the wheel been replaced??? They are notorius for going dry and freezing into position. I had one "Frozen" at an weird angle which prevented me from pulling back through..

 

[mutti_wilson]

could you email me that pic mutti_wilson@hotmail.com