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How much free play (if any) should there be in the spindle bushings on the front axle? I'm going through my brakes, hubs, etc. and upon reassembly I noticed there is quite a bit of play at the end of the axle. This is with the backing plate and spindle installed, but no hub.

It seems like in the exploded diagram that the axle would be supported on both ends by bearings when everything is back together, so I'm not clear on the function of this bushing and whether or not a little play is going to cause a problem.

I've not seen a number in any of the manuals for radial play in the bushing. The only adjustments are for end play in the axle. The only mention of the bushing is that it is sized to fit with the proper running clearance when installed. I would imagine about 0.002 to 0.004 would be the max.

The outboard axle shaft section is supported by the bushing and the hub splined plate. The inboard axle section is supported by the bushing via the joint and the carrier bearing at the inboard end..

Would a worn bushing cause slop when you wiggle the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions? I had slop on both wheels, but I assumed it was due to the bearings (and it may be).

On the passenger side, the spindle just fell right off the outer axle. On the driver's side, I had to give it a little tap and tug to get it off which sounded more like the snug fit the manual describes.