Axles

[landrovered]

So being an experienced offroader I am quite familiar with all of the noises and vibrations associated with axles and CVs.

So imagine my surprise when I discover the tell tale vibration on acceleration and deceleration normally associated with a bad u joint on my Boxster.

Upon inspection of the axles I see that all of the CV boots are ripped. I knew that already and I am planning to change them out. I checked the condition of the CVs and they are well greased in spite of the ripped boots.

There is no play in the axle or CVs rotationally, good news, they are tight and feel right.

BUT, the axle slides longitudinally about two inches. In other words I can slide the axle shaft toward the diff or the hub about two inches. It is this way for both sides. In essence the axles are floating. What is left of the rubber boots is limiting the travel but out of curiosity I checked my wife's axles and they do not do this.

I looked at the parts diagrams and it looks like the circlips on the axle ends should limit this movement and in my case I would guess that the inboard circlips are not there.

Has anyone run in to this, I cannot imagine that there should be that much play in the axles longitudinally.

In my experience the CV should attach to the axles and you should have to use a soft blow hammer to remove them. I believe mine would drop right off if they were not bolted to the car.

Thoughts please.