Quick, my axle is "loose"

[misledxcracker]

I've gotta drive a 500 mile round trip starting tonight... Funeral

 

I checked everything, looks OK.

 

Except...

 

When I grab the axle shaft by the transmission, I have a bit of play. Roll pin is there, the axle nuts were loose, but I just tightened them to at least 150 foot pounds, and there's still this tiny tiny bit of play.

 

Axles don't click at all, both outer boots blown of course... but yeah, no click on turns or anything.

 

Question is.... should I be worried about this tiny bit of play in the axle??? I'm going to steadily 55-65mph myself out there....

 

I leave in about 5 hours so please... let me know, I'm kinda scared.

[calebz]

A tiny bit shouldn't be anything to worry about if there are no associated odd noises

[misledxcracker]

Thanks Caleb!

 

It's about maybe, say, 1/8 inch of play?

 

Ahhh I have trust in the car... but I still dont want to be on I-40 hitchhiking to Needles

[Turbone]

That much play is typical in older Soobs. If your getting a whime and vibrations, then its time for a new bearing. Is the seal leaking? If not, no worries.

[daeron]

your probly already gone, but was it latitudinal play (a bit o' the ol' in-out, in-out) or rotational play (round and round we go!)?

 

condolences.

[misledxcracker]

I made it there and back. Car ran fine, but was ALL over the road. And it's eating rear tires for lunch it seems Not to mention the rear end is WAY lower than the front end...

 

Either way, it made it, I had no issue, and GO Subaru!