I have a 95 Z28 with a Strange Dana 60 in the rear. I've got a bit of a leak out of both axle sides of my Dana 60. It's going on 11 years now and has been slowly leaking the last couple years. Usually a couple pumps of grease helps. Anyway, I've also noticed on good turns I can hear squeaking coming from the rear. I took the brakes off and noticed I had about 1/8" of side to side play from the axle, where I could pull it out a bit and push it in from the housing. Is this normal? I pulled the one side out and noticed the bearing was sliding back and forth against the locking collar.


Bearing all the way against the collar.

Bearing pulled away from the collar

This seems to be the cause of my leaks. Is this normal? If it's normal, why is it leaking? There doesn't seem to be any tearing in the seals.

Thanks for any info!

 

There should be no play with the axle in place in and out. That sleeve I believe should be pressed up against the bearing not allowing any play.

 

That's kind of what I was thinking, it seems odd for me to be able to slide the bearing back and forth by hand, even if it is just a slight amount.

Edit: Anyone else have any experience with this? Anyone with a Dana 60 or 9" that can pull their tires and give the axle a pull to see how much it moves in and out?

 

I contacted Strange and they said these bearings should not have movement like that and to replace the bearings, seals, and locking collar. Looks like I'll be doing that.