Do I have a problem with my front side shafts?

[Mylux]

Hi all, please help
I've noticed that there is a quiet a bit of lateral movement on the left hand side front side shaft, where the side shaft enters the front diff. The movement is only on the outer casing, not the entire shaft. See pics below.
Is this normal or should I be worried?
I've also noticed a slight oil leak where the right hand side shaft goes into the diff. There is no oil dripping out of the side shaft, just seems to be sweating.
Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks
Greg

[LouisZ]

The side shafts has a spring clip(snap ring) on the ends, these might be worn a bit. Then your sideshaft seals are leaking, that is why it is sweating.

Any suspension lift?

[Busa]

Hi

Had the same problem a few months ago, the diff was sent to a workshop were they machine out and inserted a brass buss, now side shaft fits nice and tight again.

[Mylux]

The side shafts has a spring clip(snap ring) on the ends, these might be worn a bit. Then your sideshaft seals are leaking, that is why it is sweating.

Any suspension lift?

Hi Louis,
Stock standard suspension, no lift.
I climbed under the bakkie yesterday to have another look. The right hand side side shaft also has the same amount of play (left & right movement), but only on the outer casing. I tried to move the entire side shaft in & out of the diff and there is no movement.
I don't know if I am just being a bit paranoid, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Thanks for your input so far. I'm hoping there is nothing seriously wrong.
Regards
Greg

[LouisZ]

Good,

All what you have to do is to pull the sideshafts. Get the sideshaft seals, both sides and with the Snap rings. Drain the diff oil. Clean decently after you removed to seals.

Insert the new seals carefully flush with the ends. Then here comes the thing, make sure the new snap ring go firmly into the recess of the sideshafts. But ample grease on the tips around the snap rings. Then also when inserting the sideshafts make sure in goes in nicely horizontal, with a thumb the snap ring will lock into the diff. Try not to rest the sideshaft on the new seals, it can damage then again.

Lastly put in new diff oil.

[Mylux]

Hi Louis, thanks very much for your detailed solution.
Time allowing,, I will strip the side shafts out this weekend.
Cheers Greg.

[Mylux]

I need to sort out this oil leak before Berakah on the 12th Oct.

1. Can anyone help with the correct size of the oil seals for the front side shafts? (Indicated in red)
2. Where can I get new snap rings? Somewhere on the East Rand will be great.(Indicated in green)

I would like to get the parts tomorrow if possible so I can do the repair on Tuesday.

Any help & advice will be great.

Thanks
Greg

[Mars]

I noticed that exact play on mine 125000 ks ago. I asked the Workshop Manager at a Toyota Dealer to check and he assured me it should be like that. I have been checking it at every service eversince and the play has not increased and there is not a drop of oil leaking out.

[LouisZ]

Get both from Toyota. Just take your Vin # with.

[Mylux]

Thanks Marnus & Louis.
I will keep checking to see if the amount of play increases. Now that I have removed the side shaft it seems that it is quiet normal to have that amount of movement of the inner side shaft cover. It's the inner joint where the movement occurs.

So I went to Toyota Bedfordview to buy the oil seal & snap ring on Thursday last week. Guess what..........no stock! :evil:
I've ordered the parts and should have them by tomorrow. If all goes well I should be up & running again on Saturday.