Rear Wheel Play!

[davecx]

I've just put my explorer (97 xlt) through an MOT and the garage initially failed it due to play in the rear wheels. They decided new wheel bearings would fix the problem. However after the bearings were replaced there is still a fair amount of movement from side to side (3-9 O'clock). Up and down is fine. A transmission specialist has looked at the diff and decided the amount of play is normal. My garage don't agree with this. And apparently Ford have no idea what is considered acceptable play. Has anyone got any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[IAmTodd]

I have a good amount as well. I assume it to be normal.

 

[kevin p]

My 97 Explorer rear wheels move 'in and out' of the axle by about 2mm. The wheels are attatched to the half shafts, and the half shafts are held in by a big 'C clip' inside the diff. I asked my local Ford dealer about it and they say the Ford Transit uses the same system. They have known some transit half-shafts pulling out!
On the Transit they put a new 'C-clip' on and then use shims to take out any play. Guess what? The Explorer does not have any shims listed on the Ford Computer.
My MOT is due in a month so I went to my Testing Station to see if they would pass it with the play or not. He said that it would be classed as minimal play and he will pass it. Apparantly some Jeeps he has tested have up to half an inch play in and out. He did some enquires and was found that he was allowed to pass the vechicles concerned because of the design of the axle. Sounded a bit excessive to me.
Try telling your tester to contact a Ford dealer service dept for conformation of the play you have.

 

[davecx]

Thanks Kevin

But it's not an in and out, which I understood to be the 'c clip'; it's front to back when pulling/pushing on the wheel left to right. Which according to the garage means the brakes will regularly be binding. Stangely enough the tester has had to pass it, because side to side movement is not an MOT failure, they checked! I'm concerned it might be a sign of something worse to come.

 

[alan21]

Rear wheel play

My 1997 ohv 4.0 import also has this in-out play. As an ex MOT tester I can see no reason why this should be a test failure.
VOSA would not be happy with a tester failing a vehicle just because he didn't like the play.
The criterion is " is it something that could concievably be a danger when operated in normal road use "
Alan

 

[Andrew Timothy]

I cleaned up and adjusted the parking brakes on my Ex today and discovered the O/Side rear wheel/hub has this play. The N/S is fine. No movement. I measured the amount of movement in and out of the axle half shaft and it is between 1 an 2 mil. There is no sign of any oil leaks or excess bearing play. As no movement is evident on the nearside half shaft it makes you wonder what an acceptable amount of movement is considered safe. I must admit until I looked on the Forum and saw these postings I was reacing for the manuals!