The Ford Barn

Colorado Greg · 07-06-2010, 01:20 PM

I'm in the process of going through the brakes on my '29 Coupe. When I got the rear backing plates off I noticed that I can move the axle about 3/16" or so up and down on the drivers side and a little less on the passanger side. This does not seem right to me and am looking for any thoughts on this.

gilitos · 07-06-2010, 01:47 PM

That play is nothing to be concerned about; when the rear hubs are off, you have removed the wheel bearing. This is the bearing which normally supports the outboard end of the axle.

Colorado Greg · 07-06-2010, 01:50 PM

Thanks for the reply. I'm sitting here eating lunch and going through Les's book and thought that was the case. Thanks again!

john charlton · 07-06-2010, 03:38 PM

As the wheel bearing is no longer supporting the axle the end is now resting on the inner oil seal .The lips are flexible and allow you to lift the axle end up and down. While it is apart pump some grease through the rear wheel bearing nippel (censor ?) to see if all clear and grease shows where the axle end exits.

John in been a lovely day England.

Purdy Swoft · 07-06-2010, 03:52 PM

Sounds about normal.

Bassman/NZ · 07-06-2010, 05:16 PM

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Any more than that amount would suggest the inner seals are shot.

07-06-2010, 01:20 PM	#1
Colorado Greg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 241	Rear axle play I'm in the process of going through the brakes on my '29 Coupe. When I got the rear backing plates off I noticed that I can move the axle about 3/16" or so up and down on the drivers side and a little less on the passanger side. This does not seem right to me and am looking for any thoughts on this. __________________ "Betsy doesn't leak oil - she just marks her spot"

07-06-2010, 01:47 PM	#2
gilitos Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 209	Re: Rear axle play That play is nothing to be concerned about; when the rear hubs are off, you have removed the wheel bearing. This is the bearing which normally supports the outboard end of the axle.

07-06-2010, 01:50 PM	#3
Colorado Greg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 241	Re: Rear axle play Thanks for the reply. I'm sitting here eating lunch and going through Les's book and thought that was the case. Thanks again! __________________ "Betsy doesn't leak oil - she just marks her spot"

07-06-2010, 03:38 PM	#4
john charlton Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,304	Re: Rear axle play As the wheel bearing is no longer supporting the axle the end is now resting on the inner oil seal .The lips are flexible and allow you to lift the axle end up and down. While it is apart pump some grease through the rear wheel bearing nippel (censor ?) to see if all clear and grease shows where the axle end exits. John in been a lovely day England.

07-06-2010, 03:52 PM	#5
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Rear axle play Sounds about normal.

07-06-2010, 05:16 PM	#6
Bassman/NZ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napier, New Zealand Posts: 2,001	Re: Rear axle play Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Any more than that amount would suggest the inner seals are shot.