Play in the rear wheel

[Shooteruk]

I've just decided to check the wheel bearings on my motor. The front ones need replacing, the rear wheels, although they appear okay when trying to twist the wheel, there is in and out movement. In other words the wheel and hub move in and out. Is this wheel bearings or something more sinister?

 

[Howard]

The rears do move in and out to some degree due to the design of the 'c' clips that hold them in. Should not be more than 1mm or so.

 

[Shooteruk]

This is nearer 5-6mm. Also the hand brake shoes don't exist and front bearings need replacing. Considering it's only 350 miles since the MOT in Feb I think the quality of the tester needs to be looked at. It's not the only thing I've found that calls into question the validity of the MOT. I'm seriously considering naming and shaming the company. This sort of wear does not occur after 350 miles. Any way I need to strip down the rear hub etc. Has any one got any pointers?

 

[Howard]

I would advise that you get a new pinion bolt as they can and do break. You will probably find that you will need repair bearings for the rear and that the rubber 'o' rings on the half shafts have disintegrated and hence the movement. Use fully synthetic oil or you will need the friction modifier, which is hard to get over here. Might be worth replacing the clutch pack in the LSD whilst you have it apart.

 

[Shooteruk]

Thanks Howard, I appreciate the advice.

 

[Shooteruk]

Howard, these O rings your talking of, where are they on the shaft and do you have a Part No. as I cant find any part listing for them. Alternatively do you have or know where I can find a diagram with the parts on it?

Thanks

 

[Howard]

The 'o' rings go around the half-shaft right next to the 'c' clip that holds them in the diff. I think the idea is to take up the play with a rubber spring.

 

[Shooteruk]

Howard, I ordered some seals that went on the end of the half shaft, what I got was a 3/4" O ring that was very thin.

No 4 in the picture.

 

[Howard]

Sounds about right. Maybe yours have disappeared altogether. Mine still move in and out about 2-3mm.

 

[Shooteruk]

So are they supposed to be that small? They're about 3/4" in in diameter and about 2mm thick.

 

[Howard]

Yes they sound like the correct part. You will see them on the half-shaft when you take them out. If they are missing or very soft you get more end float in the shaft.

 

[Shooteruk]

Okay thanks. Just seemed a bit on the small side.

 

[teetoo]

Hi

This sounds very similar to what's happened with mine (last year). More recently my handbrake shoes have now been covered in a fluid from the rear axle (making them useless) - garage unsure of the cause/fix. Where's a good place to order these parts from?

Thanks,
Shariff

 

[Shooteruk]

I could only get the O rings from Ford, couple of quid each, it sounds like your problem is the outer seal in front of the bearing where the half shaft exits the axle, the best place I've found for most parts is Rock Autos in the states, even with shipping and tax it's generally cheaper than buying from UK. Ebay sometimes has some stuff that is reasonably priced too.

 

[teetoo]

thanks for that Shooter - MOT looming so need to sort it.