I have a 96 Accord EX 4cyl, FFB21 engine, Auto transmission, 225k miles.

When the car is jacked up in front, I can rotate either wheel approx 1" (outside distance) before it engages the other wheel.

I've checked the CV axles and they seem pretty tight. The spline shaft going into the tranny on both sides also seem pretty tight, with very minor play I've been told is within tolerance. When I rotate the wheel within the slack range all I see is rotational motion of the inner CV, no sideways movement.

Normally I don't feel any looseness upon acceleration or gear changing, unless I take the load off the transmission just before a gear shift, in which case I'll hear the cluck from this slack being taking up inside the tranny.

So it seems like the differential gears themselves have some slack in them.

There is also a slight amount of tranny fluid seepage from the right side diff seal, but I have been told by the local dealership (after describing this over the phone) that this should just need a seal replacement. He said the diff bearings on these years are solid and should not be a problem.

Is the slack I am seeing in the differential acceptable?

Thanks. John

 

yes - you are fine.