How bad does this look?

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Joined
Jul 11, 2007
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Location
Burlington NC
Driving 70mph on the highway, i smell something trhat doesn't smell to great. So i slow to 55 or so and pull into the nearest gas station. By brakes were working terrible for some reason that day. I stop at the gas station to see smoke pouring from there the cap is supposed to be on the passenger side front axle. Everything that wasn't sturdy metal is burnt. I got everything out, and cleaned. The knuckles are soaking. I already know i need bearings and gaskets and seals. That entire picture is ruined im sure.. Just want to be sure of what to buy before i buy it. Ive been trying to read up but theres so much random information about this topic.
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At the gas station, waiting on the flatbed...
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How bad does this look?

That looks expensive Ryan.

That outer bit of metal that looks like this: |___|---|___|---|___| (in a circle) was part of your outer wheel bearing. It is supposed to look like the inner bearing. If I had to guess, I would say you will need a hub, a spindle, 2x wheel bearings and other bits. Probably $500/side. Plus you need to repack your birfs as you were advised back when you pulled the submarine stunt with your truck many months ago.

Total cost DIY will be $1000+ and you can add another $1,000 if you have to pay a mechanic. Plus $100 for the flatbed. PM is stressed pretty heavily here in the 80-Section on 'Mud and you can see why.

The labor is something you should be able to do yourself so read the front axle service in the FAQ and ask questions. We will be happy to help.

-B-
 
Looks like you need a new spindle, probably a new spindle bushing, new outer and inner wheel bearings, new wheel (axle) seals. Looks to me like the bearing seized and heated up and took everything else with it more or less. Better just rebuild both sides while you're at it.
 
you may be able to find a used front axle for cheaper than all the new parts, looks like the stuff outboard of the knuckle is toast.
 
you may be able to find a used front axle for cheaper than all the new parts, looks like the stuff outboard of the knuckle is toast.


Wish i could find a used spindle...
 
you may be able to find a used front axle for cheaper than all the new parts, looks like the stuff outboard of the knuckle is toast.

This would be my suggestion too.

Well...that and "inspect/repack the wheel bearings after deep water crossings" next time! ;)
 
looks about the same thing that happen to me. wheel bearings went i mean that sucker MELTED which caused a damaged birfield. luckily i have a friend who helped through the whole rebuilt. got me a axle rebuilt kit, wheel bearing kit, used spindle, used birfield, for a total of...........$6-700. spector off road might have a used spindle.
 
That looks expensive Ryan.

That outer bit of metal that looks like this: |___|---|___|---|___| (in a circle) was part of your outer wheel bearing. It is supposed to look like the inner bearing. If I had to guess, I would say you will need a hub, a spindle, 2x wheel bearings and other bits. Probably $500/side. Plus you need to repack your birfs as you were advised back when you pulled the submarine stunt with your truck many months ago.

Total cost DIY will be $1000+ and you can add another $1,000 if you have to pay a mechanic. Plus $100 for the flatbed. PM is stressed pretty heavily here in the 80-Section on 'Mud and you can see why.

The labor is something you should be able to do yourself so read the front axle service in the FAQ and ask questions. We will be happy to help.

-B-

you may be able to find a used front axle for cheaper than all the new parts, looks like the stuff outboard of the knuckle is toast.

I'd have to second both of the suggestions above.:eek:

Some of us (me included) have had to learn lessons like this the hard way. I blew a HG on my minitruck 20 miles from nowhere. Now I'm pretty darn good about my PM!;)
 
You need a full front axle service plus wheel bearings and a spindle and maybe a birfield.
That list will add up to ~1,000 bucks... plus lubricants and labor if you farm it out.
 
You probably don't want a used spindle. I have two, but they have over 150.000 miles in them. They would be great trail spares, but I would not put them on as daily running gear. I suggest you bite the bullet, do it right and you'll have an LC for a long time.

Regards

Alvaro
 
If there was a lot of heat generated it might pay to check the brake caliper. I had a front left bearing sieze a couple of years ago. I replaced the bearings seals and spindle. A few months later the outer axle snapped. Next was the brake caliper it cooked real good. Also had to do the swivel hosing seals and bearings after this and do the bearings again...got real hot..
 
I suggest you bite the bullet, do it right and you'll have an LC for a long time.
Alvaro
Yeah, im in the process of looking for a used front axle. ~~aussie~~ Should have heard the long version of that story. I was behind a little corola on 95. He puts on his brakes, so i attempt to hit mine . NOTHING. The brake pedal went to thje floor with no resistance at all.. Luckily i was in the fast lane, so i swirved onto the center median and drove over wildflowers for what felt like a mile untill the cruiser slowed enough to get off safely. Thank god the gas station was uphill.I'm so mad i didnt do the complete repack last year when i tried to forge the river... :(Anyone know of a used front axle for sale? On top of that, i need an alternator too... You guys werent joking when you said that this hobby was heavy on the pockets. Good thing its worth every bit of it.Thanks for all the help so farI'll update with more pics asap...Ryan
 
pm'd you on used axle stuff - luckily the one I have only had less thatn 17K on it when it rolled, so not many miles on the parts.
 
Why not drop a mail to cruiserparts.net and just ask for prices and available parts.

Wow, Its not as expensive as i was expecting...
Thanks alot Tapage:cheers:
 
For used parts call irbis offroad
they have a classified add in the parting out section
They have many diff. year model rigs to pull parts from,and are cheap
Ask for oleg

X2 on Oleg at Irbis, he gave me a really good deal on a used door, it looks brand new after he got done with it.

Edog
 
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