I made a mistake

[doktormane]

Today I did some general maintenance on my Jeep and it took me some minutes and some hammer hits to realise that I had not removed the retainer plate bolts while I was trying to remove the rear axle shaft. It is a Dana 44 on a 03 Rubi. After I put everything back together I noticed that there is a bit of in and out play on the right side, the one where tried to take out the axle shaft before removing the retaining bolts. What is thr worst case scenario of could have happened? As long as I didn't damage anything in the diff I am ok. The axle shafts are are stock.

Cheers,
Dan

 

[mrblaine]

Today I did some general maintenance on my Jeep and it took me some minutes and some hammer hits to realise that I had not removed the retainer plate bolts while I was trying to remove the rear axle shaft. It is a Dana 44 on a 03 Rubi. After I put everything back together I noticed that there is a bit of in and out play on the right side, the one where tried to take out the axle shaft before removing the retaining bolts. What is thr worst case scenario of could have happened? As long as I didn't damage anything in the diff I am ok. The axle shafts are are stock.

Cheers,
Dan

You just flexed the retainer on the bolts. You need to pull the axles and bend them the other way or replace them.

 

[doktormane]

You just flexed the retainer on the bolts. You need to pull the axles and bend them the other way or replace them.

There isn't a ton of play. Maybe a couple of milimeters

 

[mrblaine]

There isn't a ton of play. Maybe a couple of milimeters

When it starts leaking, you'll know why.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

There isn't a ton of play. Maybe a couple of milimeters

Now you're saying it's not a big deal? There was enough play for you to be concerned enough to post here. I'd do as Blaine suggested, that seal can leak if it's not fully seated since it is held in place by the retainer bracket.

 

[doktormane]

Now you're saying it's not a big deal? There was enough play for you to be concerned enough to post here. I'd do as Blaine suggested, that seal can leak if it's not fully seated since it is held in place by the retainer bracket.

Is there any amount of play that is okay? I didn't really go to town on it but I did give it a couple of good smacks. I am not sure how it was before...

 

[doktormane]

Anybody? Is a small amount of in-out play ok? Or does it need to be snug. Thanks!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Anybody? Is a small amount of in-out play ok? Or does it need to be snug. Thanks!

Anybody? You already had two replies recommending the same thing.

 

[Sundowner]

Anybody? Is a small amount of in-out play ok? Or does it need to be snug. Thanks!

Do you want a permission slip to leave it alone? Okay, sure: I'll help you be that guy. Go ahead and leave it as- is: whatever amount of play you have as a result of hammering on it is totally fine, and there's absolutely no reason to listen to someone knowledgeable that's already told you otherwise.

 

[Paul Ruggles]

Should not be any play on a non c clip axle ( like a Dana 44).

A c clip style ( like a Dana 35) will have a small amount of play.

I do not want to sound like a prick but I will. There is not much good information on the internet. This forum is one of the places where people still are helpful, but that could ( and probably will )change. When people ask a relatively simple question (like yours) , get 2 answers from 2 different people who know their shit ( like Jerry and Mr Blaine) , then still ask the same question because you did not like the answer, the people like Jerry and Mr Blaine will eventually say screw it and just quit helping.

People need to listen and learn. You can tell on any forum in about 2 days who really knows their shit and who just repeats " what they heard".

Rant over.

 

[Sundowner]

Rant over.

No, go on...you were doing well; that was enjoyable, and you were being way less of a dick than me.

 

[doktormane]

I did not want piss people off. I apologise for that. I was just really worried. Guess I have to take out the axle shaft and make sure the retainer plate is straight.

Thanks for the replies everyone! Again, I understand and respect that there are people like Mr.Blaine and Jerry who are knowledgeable and kind enough to help people on this forum. Thank you for that and I hope you keep doing I.

 

[mrblaine]

I did not want piss people off. I apologise for that. I was just really worried. Guess I have to take out the axle shaft and make sure the retainer plate is straight.

Thanks for the replies everyone! Again, I understand and respect that there are people like Mr.Blaine and Jerry who are knowledgeable and kind enough to help people on this forum. Thank you for that and I hope you keep doing I.

It won't be straight since it is designed to deform a small amount to apply some preload to the seal and bearing. Yours is just deformed more and where and how it is makes it difficult to deform back to straight so it can be warped again to apply preload.

 

[Goatman]

Do you want a permission slip to leave it alone? Okay, sure: I'll help you be that guy. Go ahead and leave it as- is: whatever amount of play you have as a result of hammering on it is totally fine, and there's absolutely no reason to listen to someone knowledgeable that's already told you otherwise.