How much play is normal in a drive shaft?

3/4″ of rotational play, or slack measured at the outside edge of the u-joint flange? I would say that is fairly normal, but if you are having noise from the rear end, I would be pulling the cover off and have a look inside. Remember, it could be coming from a worn wheel bearing too.

How much end play should a driveshaft have?

Registered. With the shaft installed, and the rear axle hanging, you should have at least 1/4″ of the slip yoke protruding.

How much should drive shaft stick out?

3/4″ is recommended by most driveshaft builders, car sitting in its ride height.

Should front drive shaft have play?

if you can go back and forth and the play stays the same, you have your hubs locked. The situation Willz was talking about would turn a lot more the first time but then would be less as you went back and forth. There should be absolutely no noticeable play in the driveshaft or its connections (U-joints and slip joint).

How do you lubricate a slip yoke?

Apply grease gun pressure to the lube fitting until lubricant appears at the pressure relief hole in the plug at the slip yoke end of the spline. Then cover the pressure relief hole with your finger and continue to apply pressure until grease appears at the slip yoke seal.

What is driveline clunk?

A clunk, whine, or howl can signal a worn-out pinion gear, bad pinion bearings, or a faulty gear installation. Sometimes, the noise is not differential-related, but is caused by other driveline or axle components.

How much should a driveshaft stick out?

Registered. 3/4″ is recommended by most driveshaft builders, car sitting in its ride height.

Should there be any play in the drive shaft?

There should be absolutely no noticeable play in the driveshaft or its connections (U-joints and slip joint). If the transfer case is in 4WD there shouldn’t be much play at that end before the transfer case stops it from turning (maybe best if at least one hub was unlocked to test this).

How much play does a carrier bearing have?

Yes the center bearing will have about a 1/4 inch of play even if new.

What causes the yoke to move up and down when accelerating?

The yoke transmission extension housing bushing may also be worn. This will let the yoke move up and down with changes in drive line torque. An excessively worn U-joint that binds is very common to cause a similar noise.

What are the symptoms of a bad slip yoke?

The joints become dry, causing the rollers to wear. Clunking sound, when going from acceleration to deceleration or deceleration to acceleration, may be caused by slip yoke problems. The splines may be worn.

What does it mean when the yoke on a Ford Ranger squeaks?

This will let the yoke move up and down with changes in drive line torque. An excessively worn U-joint that binds is very common to cause a similar noise. Whining sounds are sometimes caused by a dry, worn center support bearing.

How do I know if my drive shaft needs replacing?

Look at any condition that can upset the operation of the drive shaft. Look at the center support, if torn a binding U-joint is more than likely the cause, replacement of the center support will not help or eliminate vibration long term in 90% of the cases. Driveshaft maintenance is crucial in keeping driveline problems away.