CV Axles

Hello, I was under my new to me truck today changing the diff and t-case oils and just checking over everything. I grabbed my front axles and shook them and they moved a good amount which makes me wonder. How much play should there be in the front axle? Specifically the inner joint where it goes into the front diff. I had a good amount, roughly a 1/4" up and down. Thanks for the help

 

Alright so after some extended reading I see this is a common problem. It sounds like I need to change my inner bearings and I'm also getting a growling sound when turning. So maybe wheel bearings need changed. Im gonna jack it up tomorrow and check it out. Anything else I need to take a look at while I have it in the air? Thanks

 

Thanks for the reply. Your talking about where the ends of the half shafts slide into on the front diff correct? Where it goes into the front diff there is the most play. The axles are fine as long as the boots aren't ripped I assume?

 

Yes

 

I think mines been like that since day 1, you can jiggle it up and down. I was worried at first, but theres no noises when turning or 4wd, and no leaking.

 

I also have a growling noise when I turn so wheel bearings need replaced too. I can move the inner cup up and down but no fluid is leaking out

 

So I checked my front end and there seems to be no play at all, so now I'm confused. I still have a low rumble when I turn which would point towards wheel bearings I would think, but now I'm not sure. Any ideas?

 

Play in the CV is normal, it freaked me out and even brought my 13 to the dealer over it for them to document that it's normal. I checked every tacoma they had on the lot while I was there and they all do it aswell. I try not to worry about it.

Do you have a lift? Supposedly that causes growning from the angle change and wears out the needle bearing quicker.

 

I don't have a lift, but I do have bigger tires. I still have to check a few things so I'll pull the front wheels and check as described above