Long time no speak!

So....... While perusing under Gregg I noticed something... interesting. There is a noticeable GAP between the axle Tripot and the Transmission itself....... No leaks, noises, or issues, but It LOOKS concerning. I am assuming this is not normal, and the Tripot should be right up against the transmission with little to no gap in between... right? Funny thing is, the gap is IDENTICAL on both sides. If this is not normal what in the world would cause this...... Ive had the car since 135K miles now with 253K.....

I drive the car nearly 80 miles a day.

 

Also, to add, I have no clue how long its been like that.

 

I guess the stubs are not seated. Grab the tripot and try to push it in until you hear a click. Don't push/pull on the axle.

 

Ill give it a go. Kind of scary as to why they are like that, and how long they have been that way. Could they have possibly been replaced before with the wrong length or something? I just dont understand why BOTH sides are that way

 

How bout a pic?

 

Basically its almost as if the red circled part is whats sticking out. on both sides. Stole this pic from here

 

That is part of the tripot, the splined bit is the stub shaft, part of the transmission.

 

So its OK for the red circled bit to be exposed? I dont wanna be under there forcing on it for nothing LOL

 

No, that is supposed to be the oil seal area.

 

Update and closing statements; turns out my eyes tricked me, upon closer inspection only the passenger side is slightly out, but it also pulled the seals out slightly as well. The exposed part of the axle is rusted and crusty looking just like the tripot. No leaks or drive ability issues at all. My only guess as to how this happened was when I was rear ended way back in 2016 (I think)..... I made a post here about it. The impact was hard enough to lift the back of the car and jerk it sideways; I am guessing the shock kind of popped out the axle but I guess the insurance and repair shop weren't bothered to inspect for front end issues since it was a rear end collision.