Rear axle pops out of diff.

[dfgu]

So today, it was finally warm enough for me to replace my transfer case. after i did that, I start up the car and try to drive, but it doesn't move at all.

I leave the car on drive and look under the car. THe driveshaft is moving fine but the wheels aren't moving. At first I was thinking, damn, my TS is still messed up. Then I hear a popping noise in the rear. It sounding like metal hitting each other.

I go under the rear, and saw that the driver side rear axle that is connected into the diff, is loose off and just popping in and out.

I have a 3 bolt rear. The picture i attached below, where the person is pointing is finger is what i'm talking about. That whole plate is off. Does that mean my rear diff is gone? Or is there a way to fix that?

Mine would be the one on the right...I borrowed the picture from vfaq where they tell you how to swap a 4 bolt onto a 3 bolt.

Thanks.

 

[Mike1992]

Drain the fluid and pull the rear axle. Is the retaining circlip still on there?

 

[dfgu]

Once it gets warmer, im going to pull the axle to see what's going on. Does anyone have a diagram of how the rear axle is connected to the rear diff? does it just go in and should stay in? Where would the retaining circlip be located? If there is an illustration, that would be awesome..

Thanks.

 

[Mike1992]

I don't have a diagram, but the axle just pulls from the diff (Use a big flathead screwdriver). About 1" from the end you'll notice a slit all the way around where a circlip usually goes to lock the axle into the diff. I'm just assuming this is like the front, but its worth a look.

 

[norice4me]

sam thing happened to me with my driver rear axel it kept popin out i found out my rear was not alined rite or som crap but i tighned all the bolts to the rear and it fixed it and also my diver rear tired was abuot 1 inch out of the qauterpanel and i got it back to normal so look at your rear if it centred

 

[dfgu]

sam thing happened to me with my driver rear axel it kept popin out i found out my rear was not alined rite or som crap but i tighned all the bolts to the rear and it fixed it and also my diver rear tired was abuot 1 inch out of the qauterpanel and i got it back to normal so look at your rear if it centred

Which bolt did you tighten? I can't seem to find any bolt to tighten the axle back into the diff. Do I have to take the whole rear axle out to do this?

 

[dfgu]

Seems like the rear axle broke inside the diff.. finally took it out today and the axle part that connects to the diff is all broken off... I took off the diff as well and a lot of shreaded metal in there.. Is it worth it to clean it out or just get another diff?

 

[Caithness]

Broken pieces of metal went through your rear end? I can't say for sure that your diff is beyond repair but I can say that it's probably worth it to pick up a 4 bolt upgrade instead.

 

[Eclipsethis90]

sam thing happened to me with my driver rear axel it kept popin out i found out my rear was not alined rite or som crap but i tighned all the bolts to the rear and it fixed it and also my diver rear tired was abuot 1 inch out of the qauterpanel and i got it back to normal so look at your rear if it centred

Nice input, but learn to type. it hurts my eyes to read this post you made


Also, I 'd go for the 4 bolt if you can find one at your local bone yard, but I have seen quite a few 3 bolt differentials for less then $50 around on the net.