Free Play in Front Diff Propshaft Flange

[Banshee]

As the title suggests guys, I've got some play in the flange that the front prop attaches to on the front diff, it also appears to be weeping fluid.

Ideally I'd like to repair this diff rather than replace as the LOKKA is set up nice in this one currently and wouldn't like the job of transplanting into a fresh one as I'm not sure of how to fit and don't have any feelers to ensure I comply with the expected tolerances.

Anyone ever done this job before?

:nenau

 

[solarman216]

I take it the free play is up and down rather than back and forward (clockwise/anticlockwise), Rick

 

[Banshee]

I take it the free play is up and down rather than back and forward (clockwise/anticlockwise), Rick

Correct Rick :thumb2

 

[solarman216]

Then either the flange nut has come loose or the pinion bearing is shagged, if tightening the nut cures it then great, but most likely bearing gone, good news is it does not effect the Lokka, just remove the diff, then the crown wheel assembly, then drive out the pinion and bearings, replace what needs replacing, just one thing, make sure you undo the pinion nut as the first thing to do while still on the axle, if you go ahead I will talk you through the dismantling and assembly procedures on the phone, Rick

 

[Banshee]

Then either the flange nut has come loose or the pinion bearing is shagged, if tightening the nut cures it then great, but most likely bearing gone, good news is it does not effect the Lokka, just remove the diff, then the crown wheel assembly, then drive out the pinion and bearings, replace what needs replacing, just one thing, make sure you undo the pinion nut as the first thing to do while still on the axle, if you go ahead I will talk you through the dismantling and assembly procedures on the phone, Rick

Cheers Rick, I'll try give it a tighten whilst the prop is off, presume this will be best achieved with wheels on the floor and in 4WD as to have something to tighten against.

I reckon the bearing is going to have gone given the age and life that the truck has had

 

[solarman216]

It is a tricky nut to tighten, first you need a big enough spanner/socket and if you just rely on drive shafts connected to wheels on the ground you will get wind up so limiting spanner movement, best is to make up a long bar with holes that match two of the flange bolts and let it hit the chassis, Rick