I'm getting a crazy vibration and shaking in the car over small bumps (reflectors, pavers, etc) and it shakes really bad on the freeway. I have about 180,000 miles and never replaced the struts so I'm in the process of replacing the struts with KYB-GR2, control arm bushings, ball joints, end links, swaybar bushings, etc. Well I have the control arm off and installed the new bushings and ball joint but noticed the axle seems to have a lot of play in. Drivers side seems a lot worse than passenger side. The axles are probably about a 1 to 2 years old and the boots don't have any tears or anything but it seems like inside the boot the bearings are separated or something. Not sure if this is normal or not?

 

That movement is normal.

 

Ok I took the axle out and it really feels like the bearing inside the boot is completely loose. Is it supposed to be like that? The end with axle nut is tight and won't move in and out but the end that goes into the transmission I can pull on it and there is no resistance. Like if I kept pulling on it the boot is stretching so much it is about to come off or rip.

I guess the word I was looking for is it feels like it is dislocated inside the boot.

 

The transmission side is supposed to move freely. The movement you see is normal.

 

ok thanks! I did notice a half inch rip in the boot so might as well replace it anyway while I have it out. I hate to do it but I have to get my car up and running today so will probably pick up an autozone axle.