Working on front axle, My driver-side stub axle has some up and down movement I am prepared to rebuild the axle completely. Before I tear into the housing I would like to get some info on the axle. On the axle bearing how do you set the pre-load on bearing? Does it take a special socket that locks into the groves on the plate that is holding them in place?

 

I have always been able to turn them by hand or with a punch and a little tap.
The way the diff comes apart, the drivers side would be adjusted for depth and then the carrier is reinstalled. Next you reinstall the passenger side of the case and adjust the bearing on that side for pre-load.

 

So would marking the the postion before disaembly and re-install using those marks work?

 

That would be my suggestion.

 

OK I disassembled the carrier and found the bearing I suspected to be worn. The drivers side axle bearing. I don't think I am going to replace the pinion bearing as it seemed to not have any slack in the gears. When I am setting the pre-load on the passenger side do I do it similar to wheel bearings (tighten until all slack is gone and then 1/4 or 1/2 turn more) or do i use a inch pound torque wench as you have to do when setting the pre-load on the pinion. Thanks for your comments.

 

I would go with your first method, snug it up and a 1/4 turn more.