Humbling Lesson (Borderline Stupidity)

[Delancy]

Truncated cross post, but for those that don't venture elsewhere.

Have had CV issues since the LT install, replacing the PS some time ago. Noticed, what I though, were audible indications of DS CV failure, so ordered new CV assembly, with intent of swapping over to the LT axle, same as previous PS.

In the DS pre-tear down process, checked out the PS for clamp tightness and spooge a d noticed this






Wheel bearing was loose enough to allow CV to contact the spindle bolt, fusing the clamp to the boot.

So, after determining that the PS's ventriloquist capabilities exceeded my mechanical aptitude, ordered wheel bearings, seals, rotors and pads (while I'm in there) and tore apart, leaving this






And, finally,










Never crossed my mind to check PS. Wheel bearings were very loose and rapidly deteriorated, based on the indications given in last few weeks ( that I thought was DS CV).

Ordered up another OE assembly, wheel bearings, seals for DS to replicate the process, since failure seem to occur at inconvenient times.

 

[Mtbcoach]

Thanks for sharing here also...

Wow Chris, good catch before a catastrophe. There are some who suggest this is simply the result of all the leverage changes being magnified by the mass of the tire/wheel combo, preventative maintenance every 15k now?

 

[Delancy]

Have been trying to determine how long ago the PS CV swapped, but well over 15k. Probably closer to 30k, so you can bet they'll be checked with greater frequency.

Getting up there in miles, now, so it's time to start keeping better tabs on things

Held off on the CV swap to see if RCV could come up with a non-grease slinging shaft that'd stay put, considering a serviceable boot would be awesome, but held off way too long.......even though it wasn't even the side I though that was failing.

 

[Old Cruiser]

Never mind they spray spooge. They have at least two incidents on FJ's where the RCV simply fell apart doing what they are supposed to...rotate.

 

[Mtbcoach]

I had one "fall apart", that's on me for not using a thread locking product on the bolts. After that, mine (including the one involved) survived without incident, no problem with RCV's product...

 

[Delancy]

Yours aren't spooging?

Lesser of all evils, I guess, considering they're greasable.

Too late for me, since already opted to swap OEs to the 2" axle shafts, plus probably won't see hardcore crawling nor front locker in FJC for awhile, but if the only "issue" was the grease slinging and periodic fastener inspection, the RCVs might be the better long term option......short of a 8" or 9" HP, built front SA.