Output shaft end play in ZF auto.

[milld]

:( Pulled out the Borgwarner Transfercase today. After doing so I inspected the spigot shaft and noticed significant movement in the shaft from the ZF. My guess is that there shouldn't be any play? I have a lot of play. The auto has always shifted very nicely and has 250k on it. Although I have always noticed a bit of vibration at about 80-90km/h but goes away very quickly. That could be a hundred other things though.

Thoughts?

[400HPONGAS]

Well unless your checking the Park Brake Sprag ,what are you actually checking Radial / Tangential or axial end play ?All auto output shafts can feel like that due to not much shaft end support ,thats what the tcase is for .

[milld]

Basically grabbing the output shaft, I can move it a few mm's in any direction. I haven't tested axial movement. I thought there would be a rear bearing in the ZF to prevent any movement. Forgive me for my ignorance in this matter as I'm not familiar with autos etc

Cheers

[bee utey]

Generally with 2wd auto boxes the output shaft flops around until the tailshaft is fitted. In and out movement is limited only by a circlip on the shaft as hydraulic pressure in the clutches keeps the shaft against its thrust race. Unless you pull the sump and find metal fragments I would leave your box strictly alone.

[milld]

Thanks for the info. I was starting to think that I'll have to replace the auto aswell :o.

Whilst I have the crossmember unbolted I might get a ZF service kit and drain everything and inspect for any metal. A good time to also get a replacement oil seal for the end drive shaft. Mine didn't leak until I started moving the shaft around, but better change it anyways.

[milld]

Went to the automatic shop to find a seal and I mentioned about the play in the output shaft and they said that it is normal...... good to hear :))