WJ D44A varilock right rear wheel bearing replaced three times, still has play

[Fishframe]

Shims seems to be a common requirement for D44a’s, TJ’s included.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...estion-135632/

[octanepwr]

Got it, thanks.

I've decided to get the road inspection done and go from there. A friend of a friend who is a good automotive engineer confirmed the design is crap (he said Dana did it on their non full floaters as there was some issue with a patent for ball bearings or something...) and he would make me a shim on his lathe if I fail inspection.
Shim would be exactly as you say.

I am told it won't be putting metal shavings into my oil and is perfectly safe. This guy has been building diffs race trucks you name it for like 40 years so I trust him.

So I am confident I have a solution if required and best is I don't have to replace bearing again. But I have wasted a lot of money the last 2 changes haha... live and learn. I hope someone else finds this useful as most people on the internet have the wrong solution and think it's spun etc.

Cheers

[octanepwr]

Originally Posted by Fishframe

Shims seems to be a common requirement for D44a’s, TJ’s included.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...estion-135632/

That looks to be about diff shimming which is a different topic I leave for specialists

[JoergM]

Originally Posted by octanepwr

Got it, thanks.

..... But I have wasted a lot of money the last 2 changes haha... live and learn. I hope someone else finds this useful as most people on the internet have the wrong solution and think it's spun etc.

Cheers

That's exactly why I rather invest my money in tools rather than a mechanic. You learn as you go and get more confident the more you do. For about 500 Dollar you would have gotten all the tools you need to do the job on your own. Yeah it take time to learn but no one will take this skill away from you.

You might be able to use either pinion or axle shims for that job, depending on the diameter of the race / bearing cup.

[octanepwr]

Yep a press is cheap but garage space becomes an issue. I am scared to angle grind near the axle though lol.

If i have to shim it to pass inspection I will report back on thickness used

[dbech]

I too am finding my retaining plates are a bit knackered and I probably need some shims and silicone to hold it all together.

I did already replace my bearings and seals (did most of the work just got the local mechanic to press off and on).

What I find concerning is I seem to be able to slide the axel in and out by at least 3mm. That seem like a lot?

I bought this car for like 2k and I love patching it back together so I'll probably try shim it anyway but anyone had experience with such a large wiggle able to offer some advice?

[dbech]

what about these? https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/26621204...mis&media=COPY