Driver's side axle binding (AWD)

[motox-010]

I was going to replace my driver's side axle seal yesterday on my AWD. But realized that I would need to drop the t-case to get at it. This was after I pulled the axle. Now the axle sounds like its binding. I can't really feel the car shuddering or anything. But I can feel it in hte wheel and hear a slight pop ever few feet.
I didn't pull the axle outta the spindle/knuckle. Could it maybe be binding there? Causing the sensation in the steering wheel? The boot looked a bit weathered. But I did not see any rips in it at all. Any ideas on what to try?

TIA,
Sawyer

 

[brassc2007]

see if the nuckle in the boot is pushed back in right and its bolted up tight to the wheel

 

[motox-010]

I didn't take off the axle nut. After I realized that I needed to drop the t-case and I knew I wouldn't have enough day light. I just put it back in the trans and bolted it up. But I'll check knuckle. Or whatever.
I know what you're talkin about.

 

[brassc2007]

when you put it back in the trans did you make sure that you didnt have to force it to much if its not in all the way it will pop and just out of curiousity how did u pull the side out of the trans without unbolting it

 

[motox-010]

I unbolted the carrier bearing from the block, and then just removed the spindle from the strut. And that gave me enough play to pull the axle out of the trans.

 

[brassc2007]

the most you can do is make sure everything got put back together right if it is than the transaxle may just be on its way out

 

[motox-010]

The trans is a Stage 1 rebuild from Shep with less than 500 miles on it.

 

[brassc2007]

have you ever replaced the axles in this car

 

[motox-010]

No. They were in good condition when I did the trans so I didn't replace them then.

 

[brassc2007]

they could be getting worn does it do it more when you are turning than going straight?

 

[TSIfreek]

Do you still have the AC bracket still on as that is used as a spacer for one of the bolts for the drivers side axle support. If the axle is not spaced out correctly it possibly will cause binding.

 

[motox-010]

I haven't really driven it much to be able to tell if its more during turning versus going straight. But the little amount that I have driven it from the garage to park it it didn't really seem more during turning.

And I still have AC.

It turned out to be just a brake pad clip that had worked its way lose and was hitting the wheel every few rotations.