54mm in the high country?

[fordoford]

Seems my front left wheel bearing has loosened up significantly. I have a full axle rebuild kit ordered and should be here sometime next week, but I need to be driving between now and then to get to work. Anyone in or around Boone have a 54mm hub socket I could borrow to tighten my bearing back up for the time being until I can replace everything next weekend? Can’t find anything in stores and nothing can ship quickly enough.

 

[mountainibis]

I think I have one. I’ll confirm and PM you if I do.

 

[trichar2]

If Ibis doesn't, my PO used channel locks...might get you through.

 

[Scott11cruiser]

I've got one in AVL.

 

[JohnVee]

Nice to see offers of help from folks who aren’t very active here!

@fordoford How ya doing? Finish up at App yet?

 

[fordoford]

Nice to see offers of help from folks who aren’t very active here!

@fordoford How ya doing? Finish up at App yet?

Doing well man! Still up in Boone but taking a couple victory laps to finish up school. Actually moving back to Charlotte in the fall so hopefully can get around to some events

 

[fordoford]

Will be on to rebuilding the front axle next weekend I hope, so wanted to ask a couple questions here just to make sure I’m prepared. I’ve ordered a wheel bearing kit from cruiser corps, a 54mm socket to use and for the future, hex nuts (I think, the ones that the 54mm is for), and ordering a knuckle rebuild kit from most likely Slee.

Planning on getting a pull scale and having a seal puller and bearing driver set.

Anything else I should have on hand to do the job? I’m allotting two days to it, and don’t have much leeway to prolong that to order new parts unless something drastic goes wrong. Would prefer to have everything on hand. Should I get new studs just in case? If anyone has any advice it’d be appreciated. I’ve been reading all day and feel like I finally have a grasp on it.

Also, if anyone with experience happens to be free and in the area next Sunday and wants to lend a helping hand, I’m happy to supply food and drinks.

 

[joecrow]

Lots and lots of paper towels! Also just keep track of all the bolts you take off and take your time. I rushed and ended up mixing up the cap bolts on top of the knuckle and the caliper bolts and ended up stripping out the holes on the knuckle.
Take your time and stay organized and it will be fine.

 

[rlynch356]

just as FYI... 54mm is also used by older land rovers solid axle trucks (6pt)... so that may be another option for borrowing it...
just throwing that out there since there are a lot of LR's and Defenders in the Ashville area