knuckle rebuild question

[mp_cude]

i know what shims are for in other applications...but in this case what is their purpose, just so i know what im looking for

 

[ntsqd]

The shims set the steering bearing pre-load as well as vertically centering the knuckle with the axle housing. So just having the correct number of shims isn't good enough, they also have to be in the right place. Which is why keeping track of which shims were on the bottom and which shims were on the top is important.

I have a theory that those axles the frequently wipe out the inner seal are either bent or have shims in the wrong place.

 

[wyomingben]

Tonyota, it occured to me that he isn't changing the inner axle seal so you correct about the brake caliper. According to the FSM you need use fish scale to check the knuckle bearing preload, however changing the shims changes the centering of the axle, so I think most just put back what they took out. I'm learning too.

 

[JLH911]

Put something underneath your project that can catch major slime without letting it crawl around your garage. Wear clothes that you can part with afterwards. Put a gallon or two of gasoline in a bucket to clean the parts it, pour the residue on the neighbor's dog when finished. Its messy, but not all that technicaly challenging. Simple enough in fact, that Obama would simply command it, saying, "Change!" and it would likely fix itself. Ok I made up that last part.

You've got it all wrong......it's a Cat you do that too, not a dog!

 

[Heartworm]

If you get in there and find that what should be grease is really a mixture of grease and differential oil that looks like gray soup, then you really need to go all the way and replace your axle seals.

I rigged up a spasmo thing to push the trunion bearing out. It consisted of a carriage bolt, nut and washer and a deep well socket. There are several versions on this board of things you can improvise. Or you can spend the bucks and buy the SST.

If you have to break your brake line loose to remove the caliper and dust cover, you might consider getting rid of the rivets on the brake line bracket and get someone to weld you some 10 mm bolts in their place. Next time, it will be easier.

 

[D'Animal]

Then he is really not doing a knuckle rebuild as post in post #1.

IMHO it is way to far to tear into to not replace the axle seals.

Tonyota, it occured to me that he isn't changing the inner axle seal so you correct about the brake caliper. According to the FSM you need use fish scale to check the knuckle bearing preload, however changing the shims changes the centering of the axle, so I think most just put back what they took out. I'm learning too.

 

[lehiguy]

You've got it all wrong......it's a Cat you do that too, not a dog!

I think you're right. It will be my cat if he pees on the floor one more time.

 

[lehiguy]

BUY THE INNER AXLE SEALS FROM MARLIN CRAWLER!!!!!!! I forgot to put that in my post. Those things work! I replaced my factory seals with the same dog-poop seal and they leaked instantly. The Marlin Crawler seals are amazing and the slime is gone.

 

[Mace]

I have a theory that those axles the frequently wipe out the inner seal are either bent or have shims in the wrong place.

Not just a thoery, truth.


BTW, the Marlin seals are MUCH more forgiving of not having the proper shims.

Sucks to rebuild a front axle and have it leaking again a week later.

 

[lehiguy]

Not just a thoery, truth.


BTW, the Marlin seals are MUCH more forgiving of not having the proper shims.

Sucks to rebuild a front axle and have it leaking again a week later.

I had a theory that it was the bushing inside the spindle allowing misplacement of the shaft. So my brother replaced his bushings and it still leaked. We now just run the Marlins and life is knuckle-slime free.

 

[jrcrawly]

I am in need of a Knuckle centering tool. Is there anyone in the St. Paul area with one I could rent?