Front axle service - what should NOT go in parts washer?

[Miescha]

OK, I've read everything, viewed the video, got the FSM, got the parts from CDan and I'm ready to go. But just to be safe, is there anything that shouldn't go in the parts washer? I have access to the parts washer so I figured it would be easier and maybe even do a better job than cleaning by hand or soaking in fuel/detergent.

I'm specifically thinking of using the parts washer for
Hub
Spindle & Housing
Birf & axle (since I don't plan to seperate/swap them)
Knuckle housing
Drive plate
Dust shield

Anything wrong with using the parts washer for these items? Of course, if anything looks to be dirty still after it comes out, I'll scrub it by hand until it shines. (maybe I should powder coat some stuff while its off )

 

[Joe Egolf]

where do you get or borrow the video?

 

[locrwln1]

Wash away, wash away.

Jack

 

[bderks]

Joe - PM El Mariachi, he sells the DVD's. WELL worth it.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

If you're putting it in a washer, I'd separate the birf and axle, only takes a second and goes back together easy with the zip tie trick.

 

[treerootCO]

it will strip the paint off of the dust shields if you leave them in too long.

 

[Miescha]

If you're putting it in a washer, I'd separate the birf and axle, only takes a second and goes back together easy with the zip tie trick.

Hmmm . . . maybe I didn't read everything b/c I don't know the zip tie trick. I do know the various methods for separating the birf and axle (pipe drop sounds good to me) and I'm pretty sure CDan's kit comes with the clip.

So what is the zip tie trick?

 

[Miescha]

where do you get or borrow the video?

Thread here:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=44341&highlight=axle+video

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Separate with the pipe, when putting it back together, zip tie the c-clip tight, slide it into the birf. The zip tie holds the c-clip compressed and slides off once it's in the birf.

 

[Gumby]

No calipers, rotors, or pads.

Everything else, wash 'em up.

In fact, you could wash the rotors if you clean them really well with brake kleen after.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Separate with the pipe, when putting it back together, zip tie the c-clip tight, slide it into the birf. The zip tie holds the c-clip compressed and slides off once it's in the birf.

Pure fawkin genius!!! I can't believe I never heard or thought of this before :shaking:

Lord knows how many times I've fought with those stupid clips trying to get them in.

Thanks, I won't be dreading the next axle job nearly as much now!

 

[GXO]

*tears up*....Arya called me a genius

 

[Bearcat80]

If you're putting it in a washer, I'd separate the birf and axle, only takes a second and goes back together easy with the zip tie trick.

If this is a cabinet style washer, you don't really need to do this. Mine came out sparkly clean inside without separating them. Just make sure to blow a half can of brake cleaner through after to get any evil parts washer residue out prior to lubing up. Actually, I would recommend this for any parts that go through the washer. Some techs will put anything in there.... you don't know where that parts washer been...

 

[Trunk Monkey]

If this is a cabinet style washer, you don't really need to do this.

I'm not suggesting he separate for space constraints. I think it's a good idea to check out the inside of the bell of the birf, see if you're wearing a groove yet and if clicking is in your future.

Always good to inspect the balls.

 

[Miescha]

Though I like to inspect my balls often taking apart the birf is the only part of this job that concerns me - actually, its putting it back together that concerns me.

Some of the past posts I've read indicate that getting the balls in the right spot in the cage and everything lined up can be a challenge.

I'm having no clicking or noise of any kind at the moment - but it is still tempting to swap sides while it is all apart . . . . .

What to do, what to do


On a related note, I thought I saw a list of which fluids and grease to use (and how much of each) for the bearings, birfs, and diffs (I figured I'd do all the diffs while the truck is on the lift - just to keep it consistent), but I can't find that post. Anyone know where it is?