Is my axle shaft cooked?

Really need to take the wheel/rotor off and move the axle shaft itself up and down to see if the wheel bearings are failing. That’s about the only way I can think of the axle moving up/down/left/rihht
 
What do you think of these axle shaft options I found available in Canada?
I'm omitting Dorman due to poor reviews and leaning towards USA Standard for coming with everything and being a bit cheaper $ than the Yukon option which is more performance than i likely need? I'm at about 350hp, 4:10 gears and rear tires are 315s. keeping it N/A)

99-04 Ford Mustang Drive Axle Shaft - Rear - USA Standard Gear - ZA K630218 (comes with everything)

Yukon Gear & Axle YAF880041: 1541H Alloy Rear Axle For '99-'04 8.8" & 7.5" Ford Mustang With Abs, Shafts - Amazon Canada (axle alone, still need studs, bearing/seal, tone ring)
Establishing a secure connection ... (axle)
Establishing a secure connection ... (bearing and seal)
Establishing a secure connection ... (axle stud)
Establishing a secure connection ... (tone ring)

Dorman 630-217 Drive Axle Shaft Compatible with Select Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Models, Shafts - Amazon Canada (bad reviews)
 
Last edited:
I'd go Yukon

They do make axle saverr bearings if the axle shaft is worn. Pull the old bearing, and this new bearing puts the rollers in a different spot that hasn't been worn down. Essentially it's good as new.

 
UPDATE:
1st mechanic appt they confirmed the axle bearings need to be replaced via the excess wheel movement. $75 cdn
2nd mechanic appt they replaced the axle bearings. $560 cdn (parts+labour, i supplied the oil and additive $100)

I'm still getting an intermittent grinding on the rear passenger side, when making left turns (at about 30-40km/h) If going faster, the intermittent grinding is increased.
I called the mechanic back, he indicated to drive it for a week so the fluid circulates and if needed book another appt.

I jacked up the rear, the wheel is definitely tighter, there's no more play at 12 and 6 and I can easily spin the tire whereas previously it was difficult to spin. However there is still movement if you pull the wheel directly outward and inward. Just like the above video from July 15.

Really need some advice for the remaining grinding sound around turns.
 
Last edited:
What do you think of these axle shaft options I found available in Canada?
I'm omitting Dorman due to poor reviews and leaning towards USA Standard for coming with everything and being a bit cheaper $ than the Yukon option which is more performance than i likely need? I'm at about 350hp, 4:10 gears and rear tires are 315s. keeping it N/A)

99-04 Ford Mustang Drive Axle Shaft - Rear - USA Standard Gear - ZA K630218 (comes with everything)

Yukon Gear & Axle YAF880041: 1541H Alloy Rear Axle For '99-'04 8.8" & 7.5" Ford Mustang With Abs, Shafts - Amazon Canada (axle alone, still need studs, bearing/seal, tone ring)
Establishing a secure connection ... (axle)
Establishing a secure connection ... (bearing and seal)
Establishing a secure connection ... (axle stud)
Establishing a secure connection ... (tone ring)

Dorman 630-217 Drive Axle Shaft Compatible with Select Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Models, Shafts - Amazon Canada (bad reviews)
You said you have an 03 Mach 1. If so, those axles won't work. They list in their description that they are 28 spline. The GTs (and Mach 1s) from 99-04 are 31 spline if I am not mistaken - others here can confirm that. V6 models still used 28 spline but the GTs got 31s.
 
I found that the e-brake cable was rubbing against the tire/rim causing the intermittent grinding.
I secured it closer to the LCA with a few zip ties.
Should I be concerned with the exposed cable with the rubber missing? see pic
 

Attachments

  • ebrake.webp
    ebrake.webp
    52.9 KB · Views: 45
  • 1755223998015.webp
    1755223998015.webp
    16 KB · Views: 57
At some point it will corrode and bind/fail. They are relatively cheap and much cheaper than a rollaway incident for a failed ebrake. I'd replace. Others will say run it till it breaks but my luck is always it'll break on a hill and be gone.
 
thanks, i've still got the bracket,
How are you all addressing the ebrake and abs cable after an aftermarket LCA install (other than zip ties) It's too far from the LCA to use the stock bracket and i think i wasn't able to mount the bracket
 
Last edited: