front differential and axle issues

[04KJltd]

I have two issues that need to be resolved;
1. Left inner cv joint/hub is getting very hot to the touch after driving more than a few miles at highway speed 60-65mph. Bad differential bearings?
2. Right inner cv joint can be moved around (flopping?) in all directions. Shouldn't this splined connection have very little, to no movement?

Liberty has been to numerous shops and all have said "there's nothing wrong, everything is fine."
Liberty has 170K on it so I've replaced both hubs and cv axles. Springs and shocks all around are new and a 2 inch "RT offroad" lift was added at the same time. These issues were present before all stated items replaced as well as the added lift.

Any information regarding my issues will be appreciated

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Have you replaced the intermediate shaft?

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Have you replaced the intermediate shaft?

^^^^^That^^^


Bob

 

[HoosierJeeper]

The intermediate shaft is for #2. For #1, how old is the CV/where is it from? New or reman?

 

[04KJltd]

CV axles were new, from Advanced, Carquest label. I elected to replace them as preventative maintenance before towing it across the country.
The intermediate shaft was not replaced. I personally replaced all the parts except for the right side axle. Shop that did the R&R said the intermediate axle looked fine, no need to replace.

Are there any service bulletins relating to these two issues? (left side heat, right side spline fitment).

 

[HoosierJeeper]

No TSBs to my knowledge. Generally, remanned CVs from Napa have to proven to be the best fit. I'm guessing the new Chinese ones probably aren't quite the right spec. I don't know if I'd trust the shop's assessment on the intermediate shaft, it's a $100 part, I'd just replace it. Mine was shot to hell at 130k.

 

[duderz7]

I've never crawled under mine too check CV temps, but it seems logical that the left one would get warmer because it's closer to the diff which is where the most heat would generate.

 

[u2slow]

If changing the intermediate shaft, be sure to change the bearing and seal in the diff housing too.

Cheap $50 reman CV axle shafts are lasting especially well for us... even with bigger tires, lift, and locker. Cheap unit bearings did not last; running Timkens now.

 

[04KJltd]

Thank you all for your input. Temperature readings on drivers side inner cv joint is 125F to 130F, not as hot as expected. As for the intermediate axle and cv axle spline movement, I don't understand how anybody can say it's ok. A spline fit should have parallel movement and very little, to no movement perpendicular to each other. Being my first Jeep product, I was searching for information as to acceptable movement limits on the two mating parts. Shaft, bearing and seal will be replaced... and possibly the new cv axle with a different manufacturer