Front drive shaft loose

[oneadam12]

Hello all! I am looking for some help in determining what is wrong with my front driveshaft. It’s has a lot of play where it mounts to the differential. I’m hoping it just a blown out seal, but I don’t have any experience with the internal parts within the differential. I’ve heard that it could be bad bearings and worse. But I did drain the fluid and only found one very small sliver of metal, so I’m feeling like the gears are fine and hopefully just need a seal replaced. I wish this site would allow me to post a video because a picture won’t help much. All I can say is the shaft flange at the diff moves about 1/8” and is leaking fluid. It doesn’t seem to be leaking a large amount, but it is wet all around that area. Please let me know what you all think. Thank you, Adam

 

[drhcobra]

There should not be any play in the shaft. Sounds like more than a seal.

 

[oneadam12]

There should not be any play in the shaft. Sounds like more than a seal.

Thank you for the response. I totally agree that I shouldn’t have any play. But I didn’t have any chunks or slivers of gears…except for the one very small one. Are you thinking bearings? Or is it hard to say unless the differential is opened up and gages put on everything?

 

[JTCO]

Up and down play? Like it rocks back and forth or up and down? Or rotational play as you turn the shaft back and forth?

 

[drhcobra]

If your pinion shaft has play I would think it would be bearings. Gonna have to tear into it. If you aren't mechanically inclined I would have a trusted shop look at it

 

[drhcobra]

Up and down play? Like it rocks back and forth or up and down? Or rotational play as you turn the shaft back and forth?

Good point, I'm assuming up and down.

 

[oneadam12]

Up and down play? Like it rocks back and forth or up and down? Or rotational play as you turn the shaft back and forth?

It’s up and down play.

 

[JTCO]

It’s up and down play.

Is it still under warranty? I think powertrain warranty is 5 years or 60k.

 

[oneadam12]

Is it still under warranty? I think powertrain warranty is 5 years or 60k.

Yes, under warranty but afraid jeep will want to cancel my warranty

 

[oneadam12]

If your pinion shaft has play I would think it would be bearings. Gonna have to tear into it. If you aren't mechanically inclined I would have a trusted shop look at it

Thank you, I will look into that. Was hoping to just drop the drive shaft and replace the seal and not have to open the diff. But I know it would be better to inspect everything…