Drive Axle - Half Shaft - Sloppy Fit at Transmission - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

h2oh! · 01-07-2011, 03:51 PM

Aloha folks, I just registered to this forum as I am putting in a little time on my girlfriends '88 Corolla FX w/auto transmission. The starter went bad, so while I am mucking around trying to get it out I'm looking at anything else that should be repaired/replaced while I'm down there. I gave the passenger side drive axle a shake and it seemed pretty sloppy where it goes into the differential. The drivers side does not have that much up and down slop. The looseness does not seem to be coming from the CV joint itself, but more from the fit inside the diff. Is this normal, to be able to push and pull the passenger side drive axle up and down a good 1/2" or so where it goes into the tranny?

I haven't pulled the half shaft yet as it did not want to separate last night when I was trying to pry it out. Not wanting to break something, I starting reading the forum here for advice on pulling the half shaft. Seems I just need a little more determination than what I wanted to provide last night.

Anyhow, if anybody has an opinion on how much that drive axle should be moving around when tugging up and down on it, it will be greatly appreciated.

I still plan on pulling the shaft to get a better look at it, but I am wondering if the pinion gears, side gears, or whatever typically allow for that much up and down movement on the passenger side.

Bitter · 01-08-2011, 10:57 AM

I've seen this on other cars with high miles, could be a case of the bushings which the axle rides on are worn. you'll need to remove the axle and inspect it. if thats the case...you're looking at opening the trans to fix it.

Or just let it ride and worry when it causes a problem.

h2oh! · 01-10-2011, 03:39 PM

Thanks Bitter,

I pulled the shaft out and did not find any problems with the CV joint. Replaced the tranny seal and stuck the shaft back in. It still has what I think is a considerable amount of up and down slop, but it runs OK when I test drove it last night, so I suppose we will let that sleeping dog lie for now. Thanks for your input!