Birfield Joint Replacement (1 Viewer)

[drwbrt]

I'm new, let any hazing commence... I've got a '97 LX450 with 184k and I need some advice.

First looking for confirmation of the problem:
I'm nearly positive the axle seal wore out, leaked gear oil into the PS birfield joint and now is grooved and clicking. Please confirm/suggest another theory. I can see the grease/gear oil soup collecting around the joint and the wipers. I hear and feel a repetitive sound when turning right and accelerating. Noise is less or not there if coasting or in nuetral.

Next looking for your experienced opinion on cost expecations:
I'm not in a position to do the repair myself. A combination of time, tools, space to do the repair and it being my daily driver complicate any DIY option. What sould I expect to pay for the repair and what should that include? I'm thinking replace the birfield joint, axle seals, replace wheel bearings while you're in there, what else? Almost all my miles are on-road. Also, is this something you would go to the dealer for or would you expect a good axel/drivelshaft shop to handle it adequately?

If anyone happens to be in the Northeast TN are and has a shop to recommend I wouldn't mind that either.

 

[nukegoat]

DIY is fine for tinkerers, OCD types, and poor people like me. If you know you want to pay someone else to do it, rock out. Before you conclude that for sure, though, there are some great youtube videos (including one from Motortrend's cheap truck challenge) that can help explain what's involved. It's really not that complicated. Anyway. OK -

IMO, I'd avoid the dealer for this. Just go to a shop that's known for working on either off-road vehicles (they'll know the 80-series front axle, which is a plus) or a shop known for Toyotas. Here in the bay area, there are a few Land Cruiser specific shops.

Worst case is you go to a general well-rated mechanic. If you're really paranoid about them bungling it, just print out the relevant part of the FSM and give it to them.

I'd guess a G.

 

[rifleshooter]

A new birf is atleast $500. This will be very expensive to have done. Having just done my own. This is a very easy just messy job. You can pull this off in a full day in a parking lot. That is if you have tools.

 

[SashaBBB]

A new birf is atleast $500. This will be very expensive to have done. Having just done my own. This is a very easy just messy job. You can pull this off in a full day in a parking lot. That is if you have tools.

Good afternoon!
Could you, Please refer me to a birfield joint service link, if you have?
I'm driving 1997 Lexus LX450
Thank you so much!

 

[ajax1]

Bring it to grand junction I'll do it for 500 bucks and have it done in 5 hrs, pretty easy job if you have the tools and know what your doing, take it to Toyota shop or cruiser , someone who knows these front axles, if you go to dealer I'd ask if there is someone there that knows old front axles probably cost grand to 1500

 

[DSRTRDR]

Good afternoon!
Could you, Please refer me to a birfield joint service link, if you have?
I'm driving 1997 Lexus LX450
Thank you so much!

to get an idea of what is involved, you can download the factory service manual here for free: For Sale: - 40, 50, 60, and 80 series FSM for a hell of a price.

 

[SashaBBB]

Thank you so much!!!
Sorry to bother you.
I'm planning to use all Toyota parts. Looks like only my seals are bad.
I never had front solid axel and new to it...
Do you have a quick list of parts i'll need? And how to get a right part number? Just go to a dealer and try?
Thank you million times again.

 

[BILT4ME]

Contact your local TLC club (as listed above in the Forum tabs) and find someone that is looking for some extra Christmas Cash to do your front axle rebuild for you.

I have a friend that has a Toyota mechanic that does this work in his time off for extra money. He has this guy do LOTS for him because he doesn't own the tools and doesn't do the time unless it's electrical.

Also make sure to clean/change the axle vent to make sure the axle can "breathe" because otherwise it will push oil into the knuckles and cause what you're referring to.

You can also buy aftermarket axles (Slee Off Road) that are much less than OEM as long as you are looking for the "Mall Crawler" version like me.

 

[goranvolvo]

you can get aftermarket birfield joint for 55 $ new and new axle for 125 $ and you're good to go

 

[DSRTRDR]

Thank you so much!!!
Sorry to bother you.
I'm planning to use all Toyota parts. Looks like only my seals are bad.
I never had front solid axel and new to it...
Do you have a quick list of parts i'll need? And how to get a right part number? Just go to a dealer and try?
Thank you million times again.

parts for front axle job: call Cruiseroutfitters - they will know what your vehicle needs; quick shipping, too: Cruiser Outfitters

Sasha: it would also help if you would post your location so that we can possibly steer you to clubs/dealers/Cruiser shops in your area

the original poster posted from east TN, maybe someone here can help with shop recommendation: TN- Appalachia Cruisers

 

[madisonr34]

1st time took about 2 days. Now I rebuild the front axle in about 6 hrs. Number one thing is having the right tools. I cant stress this enough. You will save some much time and frustration.

 

[Kernal]

Front Axle Cheatsheet

 

[Rifleman]

As for the cost of a factory axle, i just helped a friend do this job. He replaced both the, inner long and short axle shafts with factory parts, cost was 300 bucks for both. He checked on the cost to replace the CV joints using factory parts, they were around 750 bucks each.

 

[ajax1]

Inner bearing needs more then 4 ft lbs

 

[SashaBBB]

parts for front axle job: call Cruiseroutfitters - they will know what your vehicle needs; quick shipping, too: Cruiser Outfitters

Sasha: it would also help if you would post your location so that we can possibly steer you to clubs/dealers/Cruiser shops in your area

the original poster posted from east TN, maybe someone here can help with shop recommendation: TN- Appalachia Cruisers

So much appreciate your help!
I'm from New Jersey.