i did a search but found contradictory information. during my re gear i noticed that the rear axle bearing race was loose. one side fell out after i pulled the axle the other didn't fall out but both freely spin in the axle. i never seen a race spin. i have always had to hammer them in place. is this a jk design or are my bearing races' messed up and about to mess up my housing? 09 jk d44 non rubi if it makes a difference. thanks for the help.

 

 

Mine are the same way. I don't believe its a problem because the retaining plate pushes the bearing assy into the housing and that friction will hold it from moving whereas the bearing spins easily.

 

I know when I had my front diff out, I noticed that it came out really easy. Doesn't seem to be much preload on the bearings at all. It is strange, cause the bearings didn't look bad at all. I just left it the way it was. Seems to be ok so far.

 

This is from the factory service manual regarding the rear axle bearing race:

"NOTE: Axle bearing race is a slip fit in the axle tube. No tool is required."

 

Thats normal. The only time I have had one locked in there is when it had gotten too hot and warped. And then they are a total bitch to get out.

 

thanks to all!