FJ40 Steering Knuckle Oil Maintenance

[bgray]

Hello All,

On my 73 FJ40 on the top of the steering knuckle (to the rear if steering knuckle arm) is a plug, which I assume is for gear oil. I couldn't find any reference in my repair manual of how to check the level and/or add oil.

Can anyone tell me how to check the oil level and/or add (top-off) the oil in the steering knuckle. Does it take SAE 90 gear oil? Feel free to refer me to another article or manual.

thanks,
Brian

'73 FJ40

Brian

 

[69fj4069]

Nope there should be no oil in the knuckle if your inner axle seal is working properly. The knuckle should be filled with grease.

 

[bgray]

Thanks.

So the only time you would add grease is when rebuilding the steering knuckle. So I'm curious what is the purpose of the plug?

In reading another thread, it said an easy way to check the health of the knuckle is by jacking the vehicle and rocking the tire with your hand on the 12 and 6 o'clock position. If it moves excessively, it needs a rebuild.

 

[Degnol]

You can add grease through the fill plug with a needle adapter for your grease gun. They should be about 2/3 full.

Ed

 

[bgray]

Any advice on how to tell how full they are? I doubt I could see in with a flash light. Maybe a screw driver in the hole would give an indication?

thanks again.
Brian

 

[Degnol]

Stick most anything in there to check and see if it is still 100% grease and not gear oil mixed with grease like "69" said. What kind of problems are you having?

 

[bgray]

No issue that I'm aware of, but I'll check to make sure I don't see any oil. I had the wheel off to redo the brakes and just wanted to check it at the same time.

Thanks.