Play in spiders

[Geonovast]

How much play, if any at all, is there supposed to be between the spiders and the center pin on a Dana 35(c-clip)?

 

I've been getting a loud clunking sound whenever I touch the brakes, and it seemed to be coming from the rear axle. I've also been getting a grinding sound from back there while turning.

 

I pulled the diff cover off and it wasn't nearly as bad as I'd thought. There's a little bit of play between the inner spiders and the pin. I can't really measure how much, but if you turn the wheel you can see oil spurt/bubble out.

[Geonovast]

Anyone? I'd like to get some idea before I replace them.

 

Or should I just start looking for another source of the noise?

[Automan2164]

I think thats ok. Is there any abnormal wear marks or anything behind the spiders? Silver looking fluid? Lots o' crap on the fill plug?

 

Rob L.

[jpdocdave]

there should only be a couple thou in play, not much noticeable. the pin can get worn as can the spiders, as can the shafts.

[Automan2164]

Have you pulled the centerpin to look at its condition? That might tell you right off if there is some grooves in it.

 

Rob L.

[Geonovast]

Yeah the centerpin looked ok, and the play can't be much more than a few thousanths.

 

Well this really sucks. Next place to look is T-case.

[jpdocdave]

you've checked your d shaft u joints? not much going on in the back.

[Geonovast]

Yeah, D-shaft joints are fine.

[jpdocdave]

what about drum hardware, i've seen the adjuster cable come apart, and cause weird noises, if it bound something up you could get a clunk or bang.

 

leaking wheel cylinders can also cause brakes to lock when applied.

[Geonovast]

Yeah that's where I'll go next. I didn't think that because I did the brakes late last year. I'm just really hoping it's something on the axle, because I've got a good complete 4.10 8.25 for it that has brand new brakes on it too.

[JeepcoMJ]

bad wheel bearings are possible also. as well as bad wheel bearing retainers

[Automan2164]

I've also been getting a grinding sound from back there while turning.

 

Did you pull the carrier out? My carrier and pinion bearings did the same thing on the front. Straight line they were somewhat quiet, turning they had a growl. Look for some pitting...

 

Rob L.

[Geonovast]

Nope, haven't pulled the carrier. If the weather's nice tomorrow/I'm not having a kid tomorrow, I plan on ripping the axle apart about as far as I can.

[Automan2164]

Yeah, having a kid might ruin your plans. Just tell her you want the kids first experience to be in a comanche, and deliver it in the pickup bed yourself.

 

Might as well start 'em young.

Rob L.

[Geonovast]

Finally got the wheels and drums off, there was a ton of powder in the passenger side drum, not sure where it's from, but it could be dirt. Driver's side was missing the adjuster arm and spring/cable. Both drums were really hard to get off.

 

Haven't gotten the carrier out, but the passenger side bearing has play in it. You can grab the carrier and move the right side forward and back a little bit. Stupid thing doesn't wanna pop out though.

 

Since it's not the spiders I think I'm just gonna slap everything back together so it can at least move, and just not drive it until I get the 8.25 for it. Screw putting fluid back in it.

[Automan2164]

I got the whole shebang to pop out with a little help from a prybar. I just left the caps on loose so the carrier wouldn't kiss me when it finally let go. The whole bearing kit, with seals, races and whatnot, only costs about $80.

 

Rob L.

[Geonovast]

$80 is too much to sink into a D35.

 

After further examination, I've determined there's also a lot of play between the ring and pinion. There's a definite clunking sound if you're turning the carrier when you switch directions. Just to make sure that's not normal, I did the same to one of the D35's on the rack that already has the cover off. Smooth as silk.

 

The truck just won't go anywhere until I get the 8.25.

 

Thanks for the help guys. :thumbsup: