axle play

hauss · #1 (**permalink**) 07-21-2019, 11:17 PM

I have noticed my back tire will rotate back and forth about 3/4" without moving the flange on the diff. I made sure axle bolt was tight next to wheel and allens were all tight next to flange. This is on the divers side and does this with loaded or unloaded suspension. Is this normal or is something wrong?

nathanmargolis · #2 (**permalink**) 07-23-2019, 12:40 PM

Once again in a post this is being said by me, I am not a differential expert but little bit of play in the wheel movement is normal on the rear wheels when car is off the ground.

I have wondered this before years pre-Internet. Doing a quick Google search, this was found from an unknown source "Jan 31, 2016 - Due to the way the differential works, the drive wheels are able to turn ... brake (not park on the transmission) will lock the rear wheels. ... is because the movement of the spot on the gear has a little play from where it is locked."

On my BMW drive shaft motorcycle up on center stand, start it in neutral (the only way that you can), the back wheel will spin but can be stopped with your foot. Release your foot and it starts spinning again. Why is that? Never heard a good explanation and BMW motorcycle people know all. :-)

If there is not clanking, in and out play on the wheel, and the car drives fine- why worry about it. A little bit of play is normal in my opinion. As mentioned in quote above, if you apply the brake, there should not be any movement at all.

Keep on enjoying.

hauss · #3 (**permalink**) 07-23-2019, 03:01 PM

I hope you are right, but the problem is between the wheel and the flange, the wheel moves 3/4" before the flange on the diff begins to turn .I am not taking about what is going on inside of the diff. I am talking about what is going on after the diff.Hope you can understand what I am saying.

Gaz64 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-23-2019, 06:05 PM

And what happens on the other side?

I'm sure there are 2 threads on this subject.

Gary

hauss · #5 (**permalink**) 07-23-2019, 09:04 PM

Yes I put it in all cobra talk, but because it was a backdraft I put it here too. wanting to get some info before I started removing things.

hauss · #6 (**permalink**) 07-23-2019, 09:06 PM

The other side barely moves

ERA 626 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2019, 09:47 PM

.75" of movement on the flange is NOT right... take the wheel of and inspect everything...

Gaz64 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2019, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA 626

.75" of movement on the flange is NOT right... take the wheel of and inspect everything...

The flange is stationary, the wheel has the movement.

Measuring at the tyre outer, you cannot expect zero movement, or zero backlash.

So 3/4 inch on this side, how much on the other side?

This amount of slop must be the driveshaft, worn CVs.

Gary

hauss · #9 (**permalink**) 07-23-2019, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaz64

The flange is stationary, the wheel has the movement.

Measuring at the tyre outer, you cannot expect zero movement, or zero backlash.

So 3/4 inch on this side, how much on the other side?

This amount of slop must be the driveshaft, worn CVs.

Gary

That is my guess too just did not know how much movement was ok

wolf k · #10 (**permalink**) 07-24-2019, 05:12 AM

Check this thread out

Broken pin-drive hub

hauss · #11 (**permalink**) 07-24-2019, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf k

Check this thread out

Broken pin-drive hub

Ok you convinced me I will take it apart and have a look.

hauss · #12 (**permalink**) 07-27-2019, 01:12 PM

Ok found no issues, anyone with a backdraft that jacks up one rear wheel will have 3/4" rotation, before flange on diff will begin to turn. This is normal, because the suspension is unloaded, causing more play in the cv joints.I was in a panic because I already broke a axle once and thought I had a issue.Found both sides have simulure play. Thanks to all who commented.