MM (nuffield) rear axle

[BSAA10Richard]

I have a 4.55 MM rear axle on my early series two (1953) I fitted new wheel hub bearings but left the bearing and seal on the diff as that was quiet.
However on my way back from the National Rally it started to make a noise like a noisy wheel bearing, even when I put it into neutral, I could not tell if it was from the front or back as I had the top down and with the wind noise it made it difficult to tell. All the front wheel bearings are new as are the brake linings which are fitted correctly with the little coil springs on the back
I lifted the front and back of the car up and turned all the wheels and no unusual noise, the bearings were smooth and quiet. The prop shaft joint is not worn or clunky. However when I turn one rear wheel there is play within the axle in relation to when the other wheel takes up the movement.
I cannot seem to find any information on the web, Utube etc. on the early axle refurbishment or how much clearance is acceptable, how to tell if half shafts are worn too much. Can anyone give me a link to the service details or a good video of an axle being refurbished and set up as while the engine will be out this week to change the gearbox, which was not making the noise, this would be a good time to try to sort the noise out

[svenedin]

Have you checked the oil level in the axle?

Stephen

[BSAA10Richard]

Yes the oil level is correct, it was replaced only 200 miles ago, I can rule the propshaft out as I now have the engine and gearbox out and the universal joints are perfect.