First off i have never torn into a front axle. Shouldn't be too hard, but wanted to get some input first.

Was changing my front brake pads and noticed that where the axle shaft comes out of the housing there is a lot of movement. This does not seem good to say the least. There is something like a plastic dust cover over where the shaft goes in. What could be causing this problem, and how to fix.

 

Could you elaborate more?

What did you do to find the slop? Pictures?

 

there is movement in the front axles; they just slide into the housing. However, if there is significant movement, I'd be looking carefully at your hub assembly. there is usually some whining as the hub assembly wears out.

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Have you checked your U-Joints?

 

Dang, having a duh moment. It is the u joint. How do you get those out? Never done it before. They are definitely not the same as a drive shaft. And should i also change the upper and lower ones for the steering?

 

And also, is there anything else i will want to change while I'm at it?

 

It's Top Secret info, but I'll share my source.....

Click me for U-Joint Removal Secrets!

 

To do the U joints you have to take a fair bit of the axle apart, you have the opportunity to do the hub bearings, inner seals, and ball joints, depending on tools and how much money you want to spend.

 

It's real close to here but, about 8 pages deep in the technical write ups:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...ana-30-a-3689/

 

Lmao, that's good.

I also have the service manual. Was just hoping to possibly get a few suggestions. Not to mention was being lazy after doing an exhaust manifold swap this morning.

But seriously, thanks for the diagnosis.

 

Doing the inner seals should be considered at minimum, depending on how long they've been in there. Often removing and reinstalling the axle shafts is enough to cause an old seal to start leaking. (then you get to pull them again to change the seals)