How much play in rear axle shafts?

[scott f]

I heard some funny noises in the rear end so I jacked up the rear and noticed some slop in the rear wheel bearings. Is this difficult to fix? The manual says you need a slide hammer to remove the axle but what about the inner bearings?

[Stuka]

there should be almost no play in the axle shaft if you go to pull it in and out. if you have over 1/16" or so you need to replace them.

to pull the shaft you remove the 4 bolts from the backing plate, then pull shaft. You generally need to tug on them good (slide hammer work). After you got it out, bring the axles to a shop to have new bearings and seals pressed on. Then put axle shaft back in. Your 77 may use an inner seal also, I forget what year they switched them over. Ifso, you will need to put a new inner seal intot he axle housing, this is simple to do, just taps in. Then put axle shafts back in, and your good to go smile.gif

[scott f]

Thanks for the tip! There is definitely more than 1/16" play.