Front Axle/Birf Rebuild

[DoubleB20]

I'm doing a front axle/birf rebuild on my 94 LC. When I pulled the plug from the front diff, oil didn't drain out, it was more like some goopy, globby stuff came oozing out - indicator of major seal damage. Removal of the axle parts confirmed it. My question is should I rinse out the diff when the axles are removed with some diesel or solvent or just refill normally and maybe change it out after few hundred miles? The FAQ here is fantastic - looking forward to your response.

 

[Aussie cruiser]

Most of the goop should drain out. The longer you leave the drain plug out the more you get out. It would't hurt to run it for a while and then change the oil.

 

[Kernal]

Had the same question; it was discussed some in the past IIRC like spray brake cleaner in from the open ends of the axle housing and then fill and drain the gear oil a few times. IIRC one person had his entire axle steam cleaned but the 3rd member was out when he did it I think. Haven't done the axle service yet myself so wait for more expert answers.

 

[nakman]

I would fill it back up with some cheap gear oil, drive long enough to get it hot, then drain it again- that should take care of most of it. Then fill with something better, and never look at it again for at least a year.

I personally wouldn't squirt any solvents in there, pull the third, or do any more extraneous worrying... new gear oil with a tiny bit of old knuckle grease is 1000x times better than not doing any maintenance to your axle at all, no need to kill yourself trying to make it 1001x better.

 

[rhyary]

I have to drain the the diffs this weekend.
Would you mind telling what size socket open the diff oil drain?

When I crawled under, it looked pretty big socket and I wanted to make sure I have that size.

Rami

 

[96r50]

24mm.

 

[rhyary]

thanks, I got 24mm (same as the rear e-locker positioning sensor)

 

[Kernal]

I recently used a 6 point 24mm impact socket, seemed to fit better than a non impact socket, not sure why??