Axle Play

[23 Reo 229]

How much front to rear axle play should there be on my Raider 14? What is the best way to get that darn E clip onto the axle shaft?

[Don1977 604]

A very small amount like less then 1/16". If the clip has come off the axle you will have to split the transmission and dissemble the differential to install a new one.

[rmaynard 15,425]

I am going to have to disagree. The outside diameter of the axle is essentially the same as the inside diameter of the bearing. So zero front to rear play is acceptable. 

[Don1977 604]

There should be a little front to back he mention the E-clip. I took that to mean the one holding the gear on the end of the axle. Up and down movement on the axle should be zero.

[rmaynard 15,425]

I think the confusion is in the wording. Front to back and up and down are the same and should be zero. In and out can be up to 1/8".

[23 Reo 229]

I misstated the question, I am refering to the front axle.

[Racinbob 11,036]

In and out play on the front axle is easily fixed with shims. I keep mine so there's virtually no play but no binding at all. If the wheel is 'wobbling' it's probably worn bearings or axle, most likely bearings.

[Jeff-C175 7,199]

 

How much front to rear axle play should there be on my Raider 14? What is the best way to get that darn E clip onto the axle shaft?

 

There still could be a bit of confusion...

 

"...front to rear..."  to me this means RADIAL movement, that is, WOBBLE, which would indicate worn bearings if excessive.

 

IN and OUT, or AXIAL movement, the WH specs I've seen state 15 thousandths ( 0.015 ), which is adjusted with shim washers to take up the slack.

 

Is it an "E clip" ?  or is it a " snap ring " ?  E clips have no holes in them.  Snap rings have a hole on either end for insertion of the pins of a pair of snap ring pliers.

 

If it's an E clip, they can be tapped onto the shaft.  Start the ends in the slot and carefully tap into place.

 

If it's a snap ring, it can sometimes be done the same way, but usually it will destroy the snap ring because it will spread too far and bend.  I would suggest investing in a pair of snap ring pliers... about $15 bucks or so.

Edited August 17, 2013 by Jeffpicks

[zanepetty 117]

Glad you're talking about the front. I'd hate for you to have to split the transmission.

[groundhog47 347]

On the e-clip, start it in position and use a wide opening plier and ease it froward using your finger to hold it down while moving into place.
On the axle, if it is a bit wobbly in the hole(vertical spindle hole), my friend pacer Bill bored the hole and sleeved it. If the spindle is out of round/undersized, have read on here of building up with weld and turning back to "true" size. Course you could hunt the vendors or others for a replacement. It sounds like you are talking about the vertical hole play, and could also find a replacement axle, repl vs. machining may be about same on cost.