so i got a rear end from a car at pull a part, everything seems to be right except the axle on the drivers side has a small amount of play, probably less than 1/8 inch. this was before i pulled it apart to look at the internals. im going to bolt it all back up tomorrow and see if it still has the play, just wondering if anyone else has had this issue and how to fix it? or if it would even be an issue with the rotor/caliper on there?

 

Before you bolt it up, it's time to invest in some new axle bearings and retaining collars. They're cheap and probably the source of the axle play.

 

isnt the backing plate the retaining collar?

 

So when you pull the axle, you'll see the axle bearing and a retaining collar pressed in behind it to keep it in place. That collar isn't reusable (or shouldn't be) and should be replaced when replacing the bearing.

 

Ok. So what actually holds the axle in place? Cuz when u take the backing plate loose, u pretty much just pull the axle right out.

 

Well, I replaced the bearings and retainers and the play is gone. Problem solved lol