Front Differential Roller Bearing

[hawesey_t]

I have a 95 legacy w/auto trans that has play in the axle stub on the front differential on the drivers side. The stub moves up and down, not in and out. As a result the axle gets too much play causing vibration at all speeds and is pretty severe at high speeds. I can hear the axle clunk at times when starting from a dead stop. The car has 158K miles and both axles have been replaced and are in good shape.

 

The differential case diagram shows that there is a roller bearing between the side retainer and the differential case. I am thinking that this may be the cause of the play.

 

Does anyone have any experience with the insides of the front differential? Can this roller bearing be removed after taking out the side retainer? If the bearing is tapered is it possible that the side ratainer needs to be tightened down to hold it firmly in place?

 

Thanks - th

[Legacy777]

You could try tightening the side retainer. However chances are you may have damaged the bearing with it being able to move around.

 

I'd start with tightening the side retainer cap, and making sure the clip holding the cap is in place so it doesn't back out. I'm pretty sure the roller bearings are pressed onto the differential setup. So changing them probably wouldn't be easy.

[scoobyclimbs]

I hate to be the one to warn you ...your ring/pinion maybe toast if you drove it much like that..Those bearings and side case retainers are what set the preload on your ring /pinion. In effect you could have some damage and not know it..

 

Try getting a pen light and look through the trans dipstick tube while some one turns the wheels (while jacked up ) you can see the gears somewhat.

 

I would drain the front differential and run a magnet up in the housing ...hope for no metal flakes or shavings..chunks...

 

I just rebuilt my front diff. so my subie heart goes out to ya....

 

Hope for the best...