1/4" play in LH axle where it enters into differential

[biharibabu]

My 1995 toyota camry I4 with 110000 miles was leaking transmission oil from LH axle seal. While replacing the seal, the mechanic showed me that the axle had a play of 1/4" in radial ( up down ) direction where it enters into differential. This is a remanufactured axle installed by Sears in 2002 at 71000 miles and has seen three LH axle seal replacement since then (last 6 years) to fix leaks. But never before I was told about the axle play.

This time, the mechanic says that differential needs to be torn apart to fix this issue - which will be expensive.

Has anyone encountered this issue before ? How was it resolved ? Is it safe to operate the car with this issue ? My car runs just fine with no problems or noise at all. Even the leak has stopped for the time being with seal replacement, but the mechanic says that it will appear soon as the axle play will chew up the seal.

[somick]

The axle shaft supposed to be held by a bearing. So if there is a play most likely the bearing is not seated right or what may be even worse the bearing is loose.
It does sound like your mechanic is right.


Sam

[biharibabu]

Originally Posted by somick

The axle shaft supposed to be held by a bearing. So if there is a play most likely the bearing is not seated right or what may be even worse the bearing is loose.
It does sound like your mechanic is right.


Sam

I have been told by an expert on some other forum that some radial (up-down) play in LH axle at the point of entry in differential is normal. Can someone please confirm if this is ineed true ? I will sincerely appreciate if you can check on your camy if this play is there or not in case you are putting yours on a lift.

[jtoyotaman]

check your front motor mount and see if it is worn out this may cause your axle seals to leak ive had camrys with an inch of play that is normal.