Loose front axle???

[CanonLaw]

Hey,
When my 2000 Legacy GT wagon was on the lift a while ago, I noticed the
inner front axle (near the cv joint) has some wiggle to it. You can
grab the axle and actually move it a little bit. Is this supposed to be
like this? If not, what might be causing it? I notice when I hit a
bumpy road, especially when turning, that it sounds like something
under there near the axles is bottoming out, and it doesn't sound like
the suspension. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[S]

Hi Canon!

Hey,
When my 2000 Legacy GT wagon was on the lift a while ago, I noticed the
inner front axle (near the cv joint) has some wiggle to it. You can
grab the axle and actually move it a little bit. Is this supposed to be
like this? If not, what might be causing it?

Probably OK; the ball bearings/spider assembly/splines/etc. that make
up the inner joint will have a fair bit of slack radially and axially.
Should be pretty tight in the direction of rotation, tho. Tough to
diagnose with the axle installed (unless the boot is obviously torn or
otherwise damaged), but it will typically give plenty of warning in
the form of a clunk-clunk-clunk noise when accelerating thru a tight
turn (might even feel a pulsing in the steering if it's real bad)
before failing entirely.

I notice when I hit a
bumpy road, especially when turning, that it sounds like something
under there near the axles is bottoming out, and it doesn't sound like
the suspension. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Worn swaybar bushings? Broken rear swaybar mounts or end links?
Broken/missing exhaust hanger/rubber thingie? Loose fasteners on
suspension components, rear diff, rear bumper, trailer hitch? Loose
spare/jack/junk in the cargo tray? Loose/worn latch on rear hatch? (I
like that; hatch latch! Check yer hatch latch . . .

Less likely; failing rear strut and/or lower ball joint? Worn
suspension arm bushings? Worn brake caliper assembly? A careful
inspection should find the problem; grab it and shake it. Look for oil
on the strut body, grease on the ball joint boot. Take a wrench to the
various nuts and bolts.

Hope this helps.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101