CV loose post-ECGS install

Upgraded my suspension to 6112’s about a month ago and had the ECGS bushing installed. Had vibes in between. Bushing cured them.

Noticed some very mild rumbling today that I was feeling through the floorboard, got underneath the truck to inspect. The flange on the driver’sCV end that covers the diff has about a millimeter or two gap, looks like the CV isn’t all the way in. So I tapped it into place with a chisel on one of the cutouts and it doesn’t stay that way, bounces right back to the original position. Maybe I need the wheel off the ground?

Any advice on whether this is an actual issue and if anyone else has seen this? No fluid leaking.

 

Wonder if the little retaining clip got mangled and won't clip into place?

 

The CV's should have a bit of in and out play and radial play. Does the vibe go away in 4hi?

 

Could be, I've had them flatten out to the point where they don't retain the CV on a parts house axle

 

Good question, need to check that.

Before the ECGS install that CV sat right up against the diff with no play though.

 

I would hope that wouldn’t be, if it’s only been in and out once. Wonder if it’s an easy remove and replace if that’s the problem.

 

Can't be terrible it's just a c clip. Definitely want to have the right tool for the job. Can't say I've ever done one. If it was me I think I would buy a new CV and keep that one as a trail spare try and repair it

 

I have many many pairs of pliers and picks and whatnot so like you said it can’t be too bad.

When you said buy a new CV you meant remove and replace the CV? That seems excessive. Why not just try changing out the clip and plug back in?

 

It might be depending on age. I love having spare parts because I have used them or others have needed them in a pinch. I wheel whenever so my needs may be way off from what you need.

 

It’s a good thought. Are the CV’s the same P/N on both sides?

 

Yep

 

That’s an even better reason to carry a spare.

 

In and out play is normal. Mine did it both before and after the bushing. I have about 1/4 inch in and out and up and down play.

The bushing doesn't have much to do with in and out play as the clip on the axle isn't held in by the bushing.

I feel some buzzing sometimes in the floor but its deff just engine vibration as it goes away right when I let off the gas.

 

Nothing changes in 4x4.

Either I’m being overly sensitive, or the 6112’s are just much more sensitive, or there are some bold driveline vibes going on.

If the c clip seats in the same spot regardless of the bushing/bearing position, why doesn’t the CV sit tightly against the diff anymore like it did before the ECGS install?

 

My axle always had a bit of in and out play before and after the bushing.

 

Mine too.

OP, are you checking it with the truck on the ground with weight on it? That’s the only way I have ever checked mine.


I will add that mine sits in which ever position I leave it. I can pull it out. And it stays. Or push it in and it stays. You can hear a definitive “tink” when it hits the C-clip. What I have not checked is where it sits when I first check it. I never thought to see? It may move in and out as you corner. I really don’t know.

Basically, I shove mine home. Pull on the CV to see if it’s in and that’s it. The only reason I ever checked mine to begin with is to see how much play it had.

 

Checked it with weight on the wheel, was debating whether to jack it up and check it out. But after all the responses on here I’m just assuming it’s normal.

 

The axle snaps into the gear set. So, they play you are feeling is actually the gears inside your diff. They snug back up when you start to drive.

I get vibes here and there but I thinks it's just because I drive a 100k mile lifted truck with all terrain tires.

 

I didn’t know what snapped into what.


I’m the kind of person that sees it’s broke. And try’s to fix it. And I don’t like fixing it either.

I hope I never have to find out exactly what’s inside my diff.