dana 44 axle bearings

how bad is it when u pull the axle out of the housing when the end bearing sleave floats around? Now to my understanding shouldn't it stay stationary? and its not up and down jus back and forth. Its both sides doing it. They are worn out though could that jus be it? or could the axle tubes be warped?

 

To be a little more to the point my son and I tore down a d44 flanged axle to do a R&P replacement and noticed that the carriers for the axle bearings seem to float around some in the housing ends. Now I've dealt with disk brake repairs and the carrier had driven in and out to replace or even move it but these actually can be moved about 1/4 inch back and forth by hand on both sides races are worn but no real sign of bearings being seized and spinning the races. So to say the least we are a litlte confused and would appreciate some help with this.

 

on a flanged axle this is normal, for the bearing race to "float" like that
when (if) you install the new axle bearing on the shaft, it will be all one piece
after driving, the race will break (seperate) from the bearing cone
when it is all bolted up, it is tight and can't move or go anywhere
just remember to repack them by hand best you can before re-installation