Hi Dean,
I wouldn't worry about a loose bearing race. And I don't like his
idea of spot welding it in, it would be impossible to center it!
I'm thinking the seal is his fault, like he laid the full weight of
the axle on it as he slid it in. Or maybe the new seal was twenty years
old and cracking.
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/axle/superior02/
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
http://www.billhughes.com/

Deano wrote:
>
> Just had my 86 cj7 (dana 44 rear) into my local jeep mechanic to
> replace my oil seal, bearing, retainer etc, and brake pad on the rear
> axle, driver's side. When I picked it up he mentioned that he had
> noticed a lot of play when he reinstalled the new axle - he guessed
> that a PO had spun a bearing. Basically the bearing was not fitting
> tightly into the surrounding housing. He said it seemed ok, but if
> there were any problems he may have to spot peen? (weld?) the bearing
> to keep it from turning.
>
> As it turns out, it has started leaking again just a few weeks later
> and I don't understand whether or not these two issues are or could be
> related. He checked the axle for straightness at the time which wasn't
> a problem. Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this? I will
> take it back in, but wanted to have some ideas ahead of time...
>
> Dean