d44 Axle Shaft Diagnosis

I wrecked my 75' CJ a while back and bent up the rear leaf springs, rear passenger wheel. I have replaced all of the springs and the wheel, and I still have a oscillating vibration coming from the rear of the Jeep when I exceed 45mph that increases in proportion to speed.

I am thinking I could have a bent axle shaft, or blown out rear wheel bearing. After I pull the shaft, what is the method for determining shaft straightness?

Are used shafts ok replacements?

Do I have to replace both shafts if only 1 is bent?

Thanks for the help!

 

I would think you could put the shaft on a bench and turn it to see if the mounting flange is bent. The best way to do this {I think) would be to put the shaft in a lathe, rotate, and check for flange runout with a dial indicator.

Used shafts are fine.

No, you can replace the bent shaft, as long as the housing isn't bent.

 

Put it up on jack stands put it in first gear and start the engine. You will be able to see the wheel woble if the shaft is bent. I bent one of mine up pretty bad over a couple of wheelin trips. I attribute it to the 2.5" wheel spacers I was running on the rear at the time.

 

Basically what Hudsonhawk said. Put on jackstands and pull the wheel in question and the brake drum. Check for up and down and in and out movement of the axle. Movement here indicates a bearing that needs attention. If ok, then rotate the shaft and check for wobble at the flange. If you have a dial indicator put it on the outer edge of the face of the flange. Rule-of-thumb is .005" or less runout.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the help.