I have a 2004 Tracker I changed the passenger side axle/CV assembly on 4 years ago. Before I removed it, I noticed the axle could be moved up and down slightly inside the differential arm (that side has one, drivers side axle enters the differential directly.) It appears that there's a long, brass bushing that the machined surface on that end of the axle runs in. Is anyone familiar with this? The axle is really hammering occasionally when the tire hit a bump, and it is getting worse. I cannot find a parts diagram that shows a bushing in there or any reference to a bushing at all online, and I'm getting desperate! Thanks! yoda.

 

Try and find the part at this link:

https://www.gmpartsoutlet.net/auto-p...ferential-scat

 

Thanks OCH-the parts list doesn't even list a bushing, which really makes this a mystery. Any shop I've talked to about it doesn't want to touch it 'cause it's "over 10 years old" and parts aren't available. All I get is an eye roll. The car is running fine other than that. We're full time in a smaller RV and it the right fit as far as towing and cargo capacity-nothing they make today fits the bill. And we never use the front axle-we don't 4 wheel with it!

 

You will have to take it apart and see if it is a bushing or not. A good machinist can make a bushing for you if that is what it needs.

 

Yeah-my thoughts exactly, and if I still owned a house and had a shop, I could pull it apart and do that, but that's impossible on the road. The problem I'm having is finding a mechanic that wants to go to that extreme. Most want to do the quick fix and shy away form this kind of repair. I'm keeping my fingers crossed someone will post that's dealt with or also had this problem. After looking at the parts diagram from OCH's link and seeing there's no bushing listed, I'm in the dark about what stabilizes the axle in that housing.

 

Found a mechanic that was willing to fix the problem by way of ordering a used differential (with a 30 day warranty) and installing it with new axles. Went to pick up the car today and a new, used front diff was installed with new axles as promised. Within 3 miles I heard it rap again a few times, pulled over, and new x in used differential arm is slopping around. Driver's side (no arm-goes straight into the housing) is tight and no slop/movement. The mechanic thinks that's normal and suspects it is something else that's loose. He's got it again and will get on it Monday. Question is, does anyone know on a properly set-up front diff, should there be play in that passenger side axle in that housing? Thanks for your help!

 

Axles (differential ring and pinion) have to be set up properly with shims and crush washers, or you will have reduced life, increased metal wear and noise problems. You really want to make sure the axle lbe oil seals are in good shape or chuck them out for new ones. Here is a good YT video on how to set up an axle.:

 

Hi OCH! From my little knowledge of the innards of differentials, I think the set-up you describe is at the inside where everything comes together. My problem is where the inner CV joint passes through the oil seal and into the axle tube-there's a long, machined surface with splines on the end and a clip beyond that to hold the axle in place when it's fully seated. The CV joint is then seated against the outside of the axle tube. This is where I think there has to be a bushing or something to stabilize the axle just behind the seal, but no parts diagram I've seen shows one. The mechanic used says there doesn't need to be one there-it can float-that makes no sense to me. Thanks for your input, and please forgive me if I misunderstood you!

 

 

On my Tracker the "differential arm" is on the driver's side. Is your car left-hand or right-hand drive? Here is a diagram of the "differential tube." There is a bearing behind the axle shaft oil seal.


Differential tube bearing