1997 2wd wheel bearings always loose?

[bigmark303]

I found a wealth of information on the front wheel bearing issues of the 4x4 Rangers, but nothing if there is something about the rear wheel bearings on a 2wd.

I have two 1997 XLT 2wd Rangers and the wheel bearings are not bad from what I can tell but just loose and wont stay tight. I am running 26-27 inch tires on the rear with 16 inch by 7 inch Lincoln Mark VII wheels if that means anything?

Im pretty sure they are not bad, but they are always loose on both trucks. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Loose around the shaft or loose around the axle tube?

Loose around the shaft means the shafts are worn and you need replacement/new ones.

 

[bigmark303]

Its got to be the shaft then. The entire wheel can be pulled forward about 1/8inch with the bearing cap. Makes good sense that its the shafts. Both trucks have over 180,000 miles on them, and the one with 196,000 miles has a very loose worn rear end.

Thank you.

P.S. I do understand the one wheel drive. It gets the best of you at times.

 

[AllanD]

If you are worried about the shaft moving in and out, "Axial play" that is not the "bearings" as the rear axle shaft bearings are straight (non-tapered) rollers.

And there is no adjustment of the bearing, the "end play" is controlled entirely
by the C-clip and it's clearance between the spider gear cross shaft inside the differential and the axle-pinion.

IF OTOH you are worried about RADIAL (up-down or front-back) play then it's most likely a bad bearing AND a worn out axle shaft.

AD

 

[bigmark303]

Makes much more sense this is the shafts vs bearings. The only movement is in and out. No up and down or side to side movement.

Ill just replace the shafts this summer when I redo the gears and install a limited slip. Can get most anywhere with 2wd but when its 1wd it just doesnt work out. I dont understand no limited slip in a truck

Thanks for the pointers. Ill see when I open it up in a few months.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Makes much more sense this is the shafts vs bearings. The only movement is in and out. No up and down or side to side movement.

Ill just replace the shafts this summer when I redo the gears and install a limited slip. Can get most anywhere with 2wd but when its 1wd it just doesnt work out. I dont understand no limited slip in a truck

Thanks for the pointers. Ill see when I open it up in a few months.

That's normal. Replacing them for that reason is just un-necessary money spent. They'll all do that.

 

[bigmark303]

That's normal. Replacing them for that reason is just un-necessary money spent. They'll all do that.

I would have ended up replacing them anyway so its an expense already planned for. Otherwise no I wouldnt replace them for 1/8inch movement.

I do a lot of pulling with my trucks and I am going to swap a 5.0L and 8.8 in at least one truck if time permits this summer. The other is goint ot get a beafed up rear end an some more low end power. I have tones of 5.0L motors and 8.8 rear ends pas my hands each year so eventually I will do both trucks.

Thanks for the info.