So, I'm in the middle of a front axle rebuild as part of my baselining of my '94 LC. I've disassembled both birfs per the FSM and now am trying to judge the condition of the parts. I also have a 95 LC with 255k miles and the birfs didn't look this bad when I did that front end rebuild a few years ago.
I'm concerned with the depth of the indents from the balls on the inner race along with the indents being slightly off center. I have not seen that before to this degree. Also, on a few spots along the inner race is a "erosion" pitting likely from adhesive wear but the balls look perfect. Maybe damage from a prior problem. And, on the side of the cage is a perfect ball indent at each location where a ball resides. The opposite wheel doesn't show these signs of wear, just the typical indents from a high mileage birf that clicks when turn sharp from a standstill.
My question is...put it back together and run it? Or start saving up for replacement birfs? My 95 has been clicking for years without a problem, so I'm not OCD about my rigs. Just needs to be reliable.
Background
I don't off-road this rig. My 95 is the trail rig (and now my DD until I get this sorted out).
270,000 miles on the clock
Front end clicks when turning sharp like at an intersection.
No maintenance records from PO, but based on my prior baseline work I can tell he took pretty good care of it.
This is my DD to work plus the occasional trip to the beach or mountains.
No lift, no armor. Stock size tires.
I'm looking to the experienced experts for a judgment call. Thanks.
John
I'm concerned with the depth of the indents from the balls on the inner race along with the indents being slightly off center. I have not seen that before to this degree. Also, on a few spots along the inner race is a "erosion" pitting likely from adhesive wear but the balls look perfect. Maybe damage from a prior problem. And, on the side of the cage is a perfect ball indent at each location where a ball resides. The opposite wheel doesn't show these signs of wear, just the typical indents from a high mileage birf that clicks when turn sharp from a standstill.
My question is...put it back together and run it? Or start saving up for replacement birfs? My 95 has been clicking for years without a problem, so I'm not OCD about my rigs. Just needs to be reliable.
Background
I don't off-road this rig. My 95 is the trail rig (and now my DD until I get this sorted out).
270,000 miles on the clock
Front end clicks when turning sharp like at an intersection.
No maintenance records from PO, but based on my prior baseline work I can tell he took pretty good care of it.
This is my DD to work plus the occasional trip to the beach or mountains.
No lift, no armor. Stock size tires.
I'm looking to the experienced experts for a judgment call. Thanks.
John
