Do I have too much play in the front axle?

[Matt H.]

I've had my truck for about a year now and I'm slowly learning about it.

I just did the front bearings on the drivers side and think I found another problem.
The axle slides in and out a little (I think thats normal). The thing is behind the brake dust shield where the u-joint is there is what looks like a seal that is coming out. I can grab the u-joint and the short piece of axle that goes into the hub and move it up and down in the hole.

I hope I'm expaining this well enough.

It's real loose and sloopy. Is there another bearing in there?

I'm trying to get this thing ready before winter.

Thanks, and sorry for the leangth.