Is my wheel spindle worn out?

[matt.mcinnes]

So what news? all sorted now or do you need new spindles?

Regards Matt

 

[mustardfj40]

a procedure commonly used in the auto repair industry called "Staking" or bearing race "Stake".......has been known to save many hubs and spindle lives....

What's the procedure? Thx.

 

[lbrillhart]

Well I've been trying to make more progress before updating the thread, but ran into another snag.

So first off, I pulled the inner hub bearing off the spindle. Then I used a bit of emery cloth to take down the burrs from my errant staking. Once the bearing would slide over the spindle nicely again I put the bearing in the hub where it belongs and tapped in the seal. Hopefully no real harm done. I guess I'll find out some day down the road.

But here's where my new troubles start again: When I slid the hub all the way on I get a lot of friction. So much that even when the bearings are under no pressure from the spindle nut, I can barely turn the hub with my hands. Forget about 5-10 inch pounds or whatever the spec is.

I suspected the problem was in the large dust seal that rides on the outside of the hub. Specter calls it the FAX retainer. So I removed the retainer and then tried the hub again. Much better. Even with the bearings under a good bit of load from the spindle nut the hub spins nice and smooth.

I more closely examined the brand new, but aftermarket retainer and it appears as though the rubber seal part wasn't adhered to the metal ring evenly. I just got back from the Toyota dealer with OEM parts. Hopefully those will work better.

Pics after I mess with it again tonight.

 

[FJ40Jim]

Don't forget to fill the lip of the seal w/ grease and put a little synth oil on the hub. That will remove almost all the seal "sticktion" from the equation, allowing you to feel the wheel bearing preload more accurately.

 

[matt.mcinnes]

When it comes to seals and gaskets, genuine are always the way to go they fit much better I find, the difference in cost usually is not that great either.

My 2c

 

[lbrillhart]

So it was a successful night, until you guys tell me I screwed up again. Pulled the aftermarket retainer/dust seal and replaced it with a nice shiny OEM version. Big difference. It actually fits and with an expected amount of stiction.


Here's a pic of the two retainers. The one on the left is aftermarket. A little hard to see, but the rubber seal material is all over the place on the aftermarket and the ring isn't aligned. Where as the OEM is nice and clean, plus the oem is a taller seal so it makes a little more contact.

The lesson as preached by many, use OEM gaskets and seals.

 

[matt.mcinnes]

Good to see you back on track hope the photos helped

Regards matt

 

[lbrillhart]

So after finishing the right hub I went back to the left side and pulled it all apart again to put in the seal on the inner bearing. I'm not sure why I thought I needed to tap the left side bearing on in the first place. It slid on and off just like the right. Sure it's got to be squared up to slide on, but it goes. With all my new found experience it only took 1hr. So now I'm calling it - my front end is done.

 

[matt.mcinnes]

So after finishing the right hub I went back to the left side and pulled it all apart again to put in the seal on the inner bearing. I'm not sure why I thought I needed to tap the left side bearing on in the first place. It slid on and off just like the right. Sure it's got to be squared up to slide on, but it goes. With all my new found experience it only took 1hr. So now I'm calling it - my front end is done.

That mighty bling all's well that ends well.

Whats next?

 

[lbrillhart]

Hey thanks Matt. I really appreciate all the help you and everyone else have given.

What's next? This old thing. It's been apart even longer than the front end so be looking out for my next thread "What's an idler shaft?"

Thanks!