Knuckle Repack Without Birfield Disassemble

[landtoy80]

This may of been hashed out before but...
I see that some have done a knuckle repack without disassembling the birfiled.
Is the kosher?
I don't see how this can be done without leaving old grease and solvent in the race.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

It can be done-All the grease gets cleaned out in a parts washer, but it is easier if you disassemble the birfield. The first time one comes apart is a gas-very satisfying. I reccomend the pipe method where you insert the inner axle into a 1.25-1.5 inch diameter pipe, stuff a rag in the other end, then strike the end of the pipe on concrete-the birf pops apart and doesn't even mess up the inner clip. Reassembly is harder-it helps to have a friend to compress the inner clip.

 

[Scamper]

I didn't break down my birfs when I did the axle, though the pipe method is the way to go if you plan on it.

I've done it before on other vehicles, and it's a PITA to put it all back together. So as Andrew says, use a parts washer, or for those of us less fortunate, a bucket of solvent.

Tom

 

[medtro]

Putting it back is very easy (a few seconds) if you have the birf and inner lined up in vertical.

 

[IdahoDoug]

For those of you who did disassemble the birf, obviously a new clip is required. Did you note any change in end play vs the old clip (longitudinal slack)?

DougM

 

[Big_Moose]

DougM

No real difference in end play after birfield assembly.

Installing the cir-clip is quite easy - the best method is to a "Hose Clamp", which will compress (like a piston / ring installation) the cir-clip allowing the axle to slip in freely or with slight persuasion

Joe

 

[IdahoDoug]

Great. I'll be doing this on the next repack, as I'll be swapping the birfs side to side for the first time.

Doug

 

[Beowulf]

Kurt,

>> I don't see how this can be done without leaving old grease and solvent in the race. <<

Agreed. I didn't break mine apart and cleaned as others described using a bucket of solvent. I later got a set of spare birfs that looked pretty clean. I took the cage and balls out and was surprised at how much old grease was still in the cavity. Mine are also coming apart and swapping sides at the next scheduled repack (approx 2 years.)

-B-

 

[landtoy80]

I doubt that old grease would be bad unless there is excessive race wear.
But you would want to flush out all the solvent out with water or the grease will get contaminated.

-B- is the bet still on?

 

[Beowulf]

>> is the bet still on? <<

Absolutely.

What did we bet on and how much did I bet?
-B-

 

[landtoy80]

Use the search button and find out

 

[landtank]

I think it was a million miles or your son's first born.