Topic: Bent Rear Axle

[aka-justin]

I've been feeling a vibration at highway speeds since I bought it. My wife said it looked bad when she was following me yesterday, so took it to a buddy at a tire shop. Sal, my buddy, said the axle looked bent, but need to take it appear to confirm. Took off the wheel and confirmed his prediction. 

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/RYNm6Tpzj3I?version=3&amp;amp;hl=en_US" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/RYNm6Tpzj3I?version=3&amp;amp;hl=en_US</a>

Thinking about just going to go pick-up a G2 Rear Axle Kit at 4 Wheel Parts with the weekend "Labor Day" sale and all.

Anyones 2 cents if valued. Thanks,

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http://www.quadratec.com/products/52465_6603_07.htm
G2 Axle & Gear 30 Spline Rear Axle Kit
For 97-06 Jeep® Wrangler TJ & Unlimited with Dana 44 Axle
Quadratec Part No: 52465.6603
Manufacturer Part No: 962033130

These Dana 44 axle upgrade kits are forged from Chromoly steel for added strength and feature screw in wheel studs and big spline options. Jeep TJ applications included dual bolt patterns to accept 5on 4.5" and 5 on 5.5" wheels.

Parts Included

• Axle Shafts
• Wheel Bearings
• Seals
• Wheel Studs

[grumpygy]

If the axle is bent double check that rim.  Thought I had a bent Axle and it ended up being a bad Rim.  Drives so much better now

[Torch_Ind]

shaft could be bent or could be just the bearing.  try looking for a used shaft to try first?

[Jeffy]

If the axle is bent double check that rim.  Thought I had a bent Axle and it ended up being a bad Rim.  Drives so much better now

You can see in the video the flange is wavering without the tire on it.  It's not that bad though.  Mine was worse.  Swap the shaft and keep the old one as a trail spare.  I wish they had flanges with two bolt patterns when I bought my axle shaft.

The hardest thing about the install is having the bearing pressed on.  Some places like Superior will do this for you for $10.  Also make sure they use Tomkin bearings (The best).  If you get the bearing pressed then you could swap the axle on your driveway in 15 minutes.  No opening the diffs with a D44.

[aka-justin]

You can see in the video the flange is wavering without the tire on it.  It's not that bad though.  Mine was worse.  Swap the shaft and keep the old one as a trail spare.  I wish they had flanges with two bolt patterns when I bought my axle shaft.

I was thinking the same thing. I wonder what G2 gives as far as the bearings go.

If this was going to be just a toy, I'd probably buy the parts and wait for it to get worse, but I'm driving this to work.

[Torch_Ind]

did you try another rim of your rig to see if it did the same ??

[sharpxmen]

I was thinking the same thing. I wonder what G2 gives as far as the bearings go.

If this was going to be just a toy, I'd probably buy the parts and wait for it to get worse, but I'm driving this to work.

they usually come with Timken bearings but with G2 you never know (depends on the batch, they are rebranded kits), they are cheap though.

[Jeffy]

I was thinking the same thing. I wonder what G2 gives as far as the bearings go.

If this was going to be just a toy, I'd probably buy the parts and wait for it to get worse, but I'm driving this to work.

If money's an issue you can but one shaft at a time.  At least I know Superior does this.  I think I drove a year with my 35 wobbling.  The only problem wither then balance was that the bend caused the seal to leak then soak the pads and drum.  If you let it go too long it will wear the drum at an angle and then you'll want to replace the pads and drums which I ended up doing anyway.

[aka-justin]

If money's an issue you can but one shaft at a time.  At least I know Superior does this.  I think I drove a year with my 35 wobbling.  The only problem wither then balance was that the bend caused the seal to leak then soak the pads and drum.  If you let it go too long it will wear the drum at an angle and then you'll want to replace the pads and drums which I ended up doing anyway.

When I took the rotor / drum (e-brake) off, you could see it was a little wet.

I bit the bullet. $319 and I should have it (hopefully) by the end of the week. That includes the kit mentioned above, $5 freight fee, and $27 3yr/36k mile warranty that covers any and all of the parts. I'll snap pics during the install with a follow up.  By the way, Jeffy, the told me it includes the Timken bearings.

I have to be honest. As much work as I did for fun and for repair on my '95, I really wasn't looking forward to this. I had some plans [upgrade to a 4-link in the rear, rear Fox Shox, HIDs, Belly-Up Skid, Diff. Covers, on-board air], but they are miles and miles away. Right now, I'm still focused on moving, but I can't shake this Jeep illness.  

[Torch_Ind]

I can't shake this Jeep illness.  

I hear ya.. it's a addiction!!

[jfrabat]

I have G2's on both axles and they have held great so far... 

[aka-justin]

The whole pot full came today. Installing it all tomorrow. More pics to follow.



Noticed the race is now part of the bearing as one, not in 2 pieces (Timken.)

[sharpxmen]

Noticed the race is now part of the bearing as one, not in 2 pieces (Timken.)

so it's not conical bearing then?

[aka-justin]

so it's not conical bearing then?

It looks tapered (conical), but the race is not removing.

[aw12345]

That is how the bearing looks, it's a set 10 bearing and that ring holds the bearing together