Posted By: bobby66
Dakota rear axle bearings - 10/21/13 03:09 PM
Did some PM on my 2002 Dakota Sport this morning and noticed a lot of end play in both rear axles. I believe this is a c-clip type differential with ball bearings. How much play is "normal"? It will hit 160,000 miles next week, but it's had an easy life.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: Dakota rear axle bearings - 10/21/13 03:43 PM
C clip with "roller" bearings. Some endplay is normal in that style of rearend
Posted By: 70Cuda383
Re: Dakota rear axle bearings - 10/21/13 05:03 PM
There will be a considerable amount of end play as the only thing holding the axle in place is the C-clip that stops it from pulling out snd the center pin that holds it from pushing in
The bearings will be pressed into the axle tube and stay in place until pulled with a slide hammer. They are also lubricated with the same gear lube as the center diff, with the oil seal being outside of the wheel bearings.
As long as you don't have 'lateral' movement of the axle, (up/down, front/back) and it only goes in/out, then you're fine
