94 YJ with side to side axle play

[L. A. YJ]

My YJ has side to side play at rear axle. When off the ground and pulling or pushing from either side it shifts from one side to the other about 1/2" or so. Can anyone tell me what this is or is it normal?

 

[54cj3b]

most likly wheel bearings that went bad from sounds of it

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Is the entire axle housing shifting or the axleshaft inside the housing?

 

[L. A. YJ]

Axle shaft

 

[Crazy4diesels]

If it's a C clip type axle (like a Dana 35) some play is normal (1/2 inch is way too much). It's common for them to have maybe 1/16 inch or so. If it's the type of axle that relies on the press fit of the wheel bearing to hold it together (like a Dana 44) there should be very little play, if any. There should be no vertical play on either type. Best of luck - John

 

[jps4jeep]

94 yj, if it is stock is a c-clip. I had the same amount of play in my D35 at one point, it was a bent axle shaft right at the wheel flange. it was just enough that it bent the C-clip and over a short period of time, wore out the little chamfer in the shaft that the c-clip sits in, thus giving the small amount of end play. Shafts are stupid easy to swap. just make sure there is no damage to the side gears.

All this is why I took the D35 out and now use it as a boat anchor