4eat bearing Play, please help

[snowjob]

I just got under my car to inspect my cj joints. So I was wiggling the joints and notice a huge amount of play back and forth in the Diff iteslf, the cv joints didnt' have much play in them, but where they go into the diff, their was a huge amount of play. Is it a bearing in thier, and How does one replace it. Help

[fishbone79]

Those front axles usually have quite a bit of play, but if the bearing did need to be replaced, they are about $80/per from the dealer (i dont think you can get aftermarkets). They arent too bad to change either; where the axles go into the casing there is a threaded "cap" kind of thing (around the exiting shaft). Unthread it with a hammer and a punch, or an axle socket, and you can get the bearing and race out (its a little tricky to get the race out, but it can be done). I would replace the little o-ring around the threaded cap and the axle shaft seal, while i was in there, if i were you. They are cheap.

[snowjob]

Sounds good, how exactly do you get the bearing out? a puller? I'm guessing I need to drain the diff fluid?
Thanks
Frazer

[fishbone79]

Yes, drain the front diff and disconect the axle on that side. You'll need to get the race out first, through that hole... its a little tricky, but can be done (its not hard if you are sure you are replacing it... if that is the case, catch an edge with a screwdriver and work it around.) if not, youll have to get a puller to fit in there, which is a bit of a challenge, but doable. Putting the thing back together is a cake walk. I think you should make sure that it is indeed a problem before you go screwing around with it... its easily a 2.5 hour job.... and tightening the keeper back on to the right level is a bit tricky. Does it make any noise, or is it just loose? try tightening that keeper (you can do that with the axle on) before you open it up... if that tightens it up, i would probably leav it.

Cheers,

Morgan