Birf Job done--couple questions (1 Viewer)

[SR.GRINGO]

Beno gave me some great write-ups for the birf job--it was much easier than I expected. Everything went well. After the birfs, and wheel bearings I changed my front and rear diff oil--rear was great no problems. The front diff was full of grease--I guess the inner seal gave way? So I put new oil in but there is a squeak coming from the front diff now--does this mean I need to get a new gear set? I was planning on adding 4.88's in about a year but I could go this route and buy a new bumper in a year instead....... I was also planning on changing the front diff oil again in 2 weeks....

The Cruiser has 135k--I got it at 133k and have slowly been bringing it to date on maintenance--the po did o.k. Things I have done are all sourced from C-Dan or Slee and include a new radiator, thermostat, belts, oil, birfs, diff oil, transfercase oil, cap, rotor, plugs, wires, center diff lock, brake pads, HIR's, heavy wire harness, OME heavy lift..........

 

[Docmallory]

You're sure the squeak is from the diff? Any additional info you can provide would be helpful.

 

[Rookie2]

Haven't heard of that one before. You're sure it's from the arear you worked on?? When I finished my birf. job, I was keenly focused on any noise that might be occurring. Then sure enough, started hearing a clanking noise when turning... awww WTF?? Figured I had to have screwed something up. Turned out to be a loose shock.


Rookie2

 

[IdahoDoug]

Details?

 

[SR.GRINGO]

As of now the noise is gone--I plan on driving 150 miles tonight on the freeway--another 150 tomorrow. Once I get up to around 500 I will change the front diff oil again--as mentioned above maybe I am just paranoid.

 

[OGBeno]

These trucks make lots of strange noices, especially as they get older...creakings, etc...I'd do as you mentioned and see what happens. Also, I'd go out to some trail someplace and lock up the axles and see if the sound appears again, persists, gets worse, etc...

Congrats. on the job bud.

Best.
-onur
Akron, OH

 

[RavenTai]

Did you grease the brass bushings in the spindle? Some have gotten noise from these if they get dry.

As for the grease in the gear oil look at this thread.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=19978

Could be vacuum caused by the breather flapper drawing grease past the seal.

After my birf repack I still had grease in the gear oil, not sure if it was residual in the front diff or if it was coming past the seals. So far no gear oil in the knuckle, did the breather relocation to both diffs trans and t-case, the 4 ported together and routed to near the master cylinder with ¼” steel line, did it about 8K ago and changed the fluid in them all, all except the front got M1. I am due soon to do the front diff in M1, it is the last lube with dino in it doe to the grease problem, hopefully the breathers have fixed it.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

Did you grease the brass bushings in the spindle? Some have gotten noise from these if they get dry.

As for the grease in the gear oil look at this thread.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=19978

Could be vacuum caused by the breather flapper drawing grease past the seal.

After my birf repack I still had grease in the gear oil, not sure if it was residual in the front diff or if it was coming past the seals. So far no gear oil in the knuckle, did the breather relocation to both diffs trans and t-case, the 4 ported together and routed to near the master cylinder with ¼” steel line, did it about 8K ago and changed the fluid in them all, all except the front got M1. I am due soon to do the front diff in M1, it is the last lube with dino in it doe to the grease problem, hopefully the breathers have fixed it.

Thanks Raven and Beno,

Another project

On a side note after reading the link there was mention of repacking more often for water crossings---about 1x-2x per month we traverse rivers and the water gets up to my headlights---how often do I need to repack my birfs?

 

[RavenTai]

Hard to say, I would pull the plug in the knuckle on a regular basis and check for signs of water, if any is found, repack.

 

[OGBeno]

I've done about three water crossings of significance (about two feet high) since the birf. job in early October.

I just recently (last week) looked in the fill hole, and refilled with grease (1/2 tube each side). No water. Diff breathers have been extended into the engine compartment.

If you haven't done this, I recommend it as a good PM especially if you forge across water bodies often.

Best.
-onur
Akron, OH

 

[elmariachi]

Did you grease the brass bushings in the spindle? Some have gotten noise from these if they get dry.

Good point about that bushing. You'll know when its dry...it'll make one helluva noise and you'll think you've got a baby Rhino trapped under the front axle.

Jim

 

[Buckru]

Jim,

Could you be a little more specific what that noise sounds like as I have never run over a baby rhino.

Buck

 

[cruiserdan]

Landtank had an audio clip of his at one time. It was sort of a high-pitched "wow wow wow wow wow" oscilating sound that was quite loud.

Say that out loud rapidly with a high pitch in your voice and you will have it.. (when nobody is listening, of course... )