How to lubricate front axle shaft bushings?

[LXKevin]

Yes. Its the needle bearing that is pressed into the steering knuckle that supports the CV shaft at the inside portion of the knuckle. Its often, by home garage mechanics and maybe even some pros, overlooked bearing apart of any axle/hub bearing PM work. But it will let you know if you forget to grease it

 

[OwnerCS]

It came out perfectly using the Slee tool.

 

[2001LC]

The Slee tools works very well.

But there's a catch. The axle splines and inner spindle tube, must be clean (free of contaminants). For this reason and to inspect axle needle bearing and brass bushing, by pulling steering knuckle, first time in my shop. Subsequent wheel bearing services, I use the Slee greasing tool. Provide I do not see any containment's, like signs of water entry.

The brown grease here on axle of FDS, is sign of water entry. The hubs grease was a nice red, as was all of other side. This happens from using old loose grease cap. Can also be from warped hub flange, from pound on it or bad hub flange gasket. In later we see bad grease into bearings. Also a bad seal in rear of knuckle or hub.

 

[OwnerCS]

The Slee tools works very well.

But there's a catch. The axle splines and inner spindle tube, must be clean (free of contaminants). For this reason and to inspect axle needle bearing and brass bushing, by pulling steering knuckle, first time in my shop. Subsequent wheel bearing services, I use the Slee greasing tool. Provide I do not see any containment's, like signs of water entry.

The brown grease here on axle of FDS, is sign of water entry. The hubs grease was a nice red, as was all of other side. This happens from using old loose grease cap. Can also be from warped hub flange, from pound on it or bad hub flange gasket. In later we see bad grease into bearings. Also a bad seal in rear of knuckle or hub.
View attachment 2524327

^^^
Sage advice. I've been able to avoid reworks by having everything squeaky clean on reassembly. Also, I work new grease into the needle bearings and areas requiring grease per procedure before I reassemble. The Slee tool is the last step.

 

[theamigo]

We now have the tool available.

So I saw this post as I was preparing to replace my wheel bearings and I thought your tool is a great idea, I just didn’t have time to buy it. So, for those of us in a pinch:

It’s a little bit messy but it got the job done. The plunger is a socket wrapped in a rubber glove.

 

[shtbrwn86]

^The red & tacky will (edit) not work, but if the anti seize component in it has Moly you may want to use something else like Mobil1 synthetic. FSM calls for NLGI 1 on those spindle bearings but good luck trying to find it. NLGI 2 will work. For high speed bearings, stay away from greases that contain Moly.

Well I hope I didn't ruin my new CV axle! I rubbed some red and tacky on the shaft before I slid the hub back on. I didn't slather it on, nor did I pack it into the needle bearings. Just a bit extra on the shaft. Did this about 5,000 miles ago. I was planning on doing the axle shaft bushings tomorrow using the @LandCruiserPhil method.

 

[abuck99]

Well I hope I didn't ruin my new CV axle! I rubbed some red and tacky on the shaft before I slid the hub back on. I didn't slather it on, nor did I pack it into the needle bearings. Just a bit extra on the shaft. Did this about 5,000 miles ago. I was planning on doing the axle shaft bushings tomorrow using the @LandCruiserPhil method.

I dont think that little bit will affect anything.

 

[shtbrwn86]

Might be a dumb question. but what is this adapter? I have the same grease gun and needle, but I don't even know what to look for when searching for that adapter piece to connect the two.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Might be a dumb question. but what is this adapter? I have the same grease gun and needle, but I don't even know what to look for when searching for that adapter piece to connect the two.
View attachment 3051326

Sorry I can't remember

 

[shtbrwn86]

Sorry I can't remember

No worries. I’ll hit up my local hardware store and bring the grease gun with me. Thanks.

 

[shtbrwn86]

No worries. I’ll hit up my local hardware store and bring the grease gun with me. Thanks.

Just finished this up using the LCP method. The hardest part was finding an adapter to connect the mini grease gun to the needle tip adapter. The mini grease gun is a female connector and so is the needle.

Found this at lowes and it worked fine.