Longfield Binding (1 Viewer)

[Sputnik40]

Did a search and read a few dozen threads - nothing similar to this...

Have a 30 spline long that is near to froze up, noticable clicking and binding when jacked up turning left to right, and with everything disconnected near to impossible to turn by leveraging the tire. With the hub engaged - it's noticeably different as you spin the tire. After pulling, verified it's the birf - not the trunion bearings. It's bout 3 years old, wheeled hard several times, but has very low miles - looks near to mint on the outside except for a 2 or 3 minor scratches - no gouges of any evidence of binding. Axle was thoroughly clearanced (so can't explain the light scratches), bump stops adjusted all the way out to minimize turning. The inner race is scored inbetween the areas where the bearings ride - not the ball bearing surface themselves. Sort of a double elliptical pattern - Not gouged, not light scratches - but scoured enough to be noticable.

Too late to hammer it off without irritating the neighbors, so will probably drop it in a pipe tomorrow on a block of wood - to separate and pull the race/cage and bearings apart.

Anyone ever see anything like this?

 

[too tall]

That happens to Longs when they get a little older . Call bobby and see what he says . I think I might call him and see if I can get some new balls for mine and rebuild them when a good opportunity arises . I've had a few buddies that have sent them back when they get like that and Bobby has replaced them for them .

 

[LC_Hamma]

Is that the long side axle? I ask because I had 2 sets of 30 spline Longs at one time & both long sides were difficult to try & work the grease in them. These were new or only w/ a few trail miles on them. I thought they just needed to be broken in Can you tell where the wear marks are?

 

[Sputnik40]

This post from my local un-club board - still going to call mid morning as the steering binding up is a little un-nerving, even if it will have a ram pushing it around:

"Sputty, All good. I had the same issue with my longs, and called Lonmgfield for the answer. basically the long of the short is that IT IS OK. Boby stated that the longfields will get stiff over time, but it IN NO WAY EFFECTS THE DRIVEABILITY OF THE SHAFTS OR RELIABILITY. I was thinking the same as you a few months back when I was servicing my long's. So you are good to go. I would reccomened cleaning out as much grease as you can get to, and then repack the longs full of a GOOD grease (since you have them out) , and slap them bitches back in... Mine were stiff as hell, as well as Steves but it is OK.

Snap rings are different on the inside of the shaft (not stock)

My spelling sucks cause it is 630am and I have not had cofdfee yet.

\

"

 

[Uncle Ben]

Make sure your "GOOD" grease is Molybdenum Disulfide based or Bobby won't warranty them, for good reasons!

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Hmmm... I'm geting a bind/release in my steering as well. I can tell that it's coming from the passenger side, but I can't figure out what it is. However, it isn't doing it when the truck is jacked up. Just slow speed or turning while stopped with the tire on the ground.

 

[Isotel]

Make sure your "GOOD" grease is Molybdenum Disulfide based or Bobby won't warranty them, for good reasons!

Is that the Green CV Marine Stuff?
Bobby is the man, my longs are way tighter than a stock birf, i called him and he told me to run it, if i had issues he would replace, even though i had gotten them second hand!

 

[Sputnik40]

Make sure your "GOOD" grease is Molybdenum Disulfide based or Bobby won't warranty them, for good reasons!

Even thought it doesn't say that anywhere - that's what I used. These probably have about 250 miles total on them, and at last inspection were still thoroughly packed with the grease they came with, followed instructions and cleaned out axle as best as I could when first installed and used moly for repacking the housing - althought it wasn't the pretty red. I also run the chromo drive flanges in my hubs after hearing the "rumour" that they were required for warranty - and also have Marlin's inner axle seals. There's a lot of requirements that you need to stay within warranty that would do well to be posted somewhere, but I'll not complain - if it fails - I'd buy another, these have just been one of the most incredible driveline improvements I've done to my 40. Damn good stuff.

 

[yotawheeler]

high quality grease for a birf would be something like moly slip...which is what i use in all the frong ends i re-build...i keep a couple jars of it on hand in the shop

 

[yotawheeler]

the reason that you need the cromo hub gears is because the torque of bigger tires would strip the splines right off the stock ones, when that happened it took out the splines on the stub of the birf...its not the birf failing at all, its just kinda the domino effect. you gotta buy new hub gears if your running 30 spline longs ne ways so...might as well go for the 30's, in for a penny in for a pound. having said that i still run stock axles...but not by choice!

 

[Sputnik40]

Well - just ordered a new one and paid 2 day shipping . I only get to drive north and wheel a few times a year these days, and having peace of mind is high on my list.

Talked with Bobby - and will be sending the old one in with the $40 fee to have it rebuilt - or if need be replaced. Will then have a spare that won't ruin one of those few wheeling trips I get to take. There's no way I'd consider putting a spare stock birf/axle back in - there's just no comparison.

Seeing as how I'm leaving town in 8 days, didn't want to waste the money on overnight shipping with the added stress of worrying if it would show up or not. That and I have other priorities. Just bleeding money this week...

 

[Tapage]

about this theme .. this grease sound enought to our applications .. ? ( keep in mind most of my off road it's water involved .. )

 

[Longfield]

Did a search and read a few dozen threads - nothing similar to this...

Have a 30 spline long that is near to froze up, noticable clicking and binding when jacked up turning left to right, and with everything disconnected near to impossible to turn by leveraging the tire. With the hub engaged - it's noticeably different as you spin the tire. After pulling, verified it's the birf - not the trunion bearings. It's bout 3 years old, wheeled hard several times, but has very low miles - looks near to mint on the outside except for a 2 or 3 minor scratches - no gouges of any evidence of binding. Axle was thoroughly clearanced (so can't explain the light scratches), bump stops adjusted all the way out to minimize turning. The inner race is scored inbetween the areas where the bearings ride - not the ball bearing surface themselves. Sort of a double elliptical pattern - Not gouged, not light scratches - but scoured enough to be noticable.

Too late to hammer it off without irritating the neighbors, so will probably drop it in a pipe tomorrow on a block of wood - to separate and pull the race/cage and bearings apart.

Anyone ever see anything like this?

Yes it happens a lot. Like on the bell you can see the wear marks an these axle are real hard and it takes a lot to mark them. But the softer material in your housing shaves off material an gets inside the birfield and makes them wear out. And makes the brif stiff from the metal shavings in there.

 

[Longfield]

Make sure your "GOOD" grease is Molybdenum Disulfide based or Bobby won't warranty them, for good reasons!

Not true. We just ask you to use a good moly lube grease if an when you repack them. They already come pack with a good moly lube.

 

[Uncle Ben]

Not true. We just ask you to use a good moly lube grease if an when you repack them. They already come pack with a good moly lube.

Thanks for clarifying!

 

[Sputnik40]

Just a little bit more follow up - that might be helpful to others.

After ordering the new birf from Bobby (who was always around to answer the phone or my e-mails) and knowing I had a new clip on the way - went ahead and separated the birf from the axle. There was some noticeable wear on the splines at the innermost point where the birf rides (15 - 25% of affected spline area - remaining 75% is perfect). Sent some pics to Bobby and he indicated that the c-clip might be getting trapped in the groove allowing the birf to float a bit - suggested that I make sure the clip clears the groove (is not getting trapped) and clearance a little if necessary.

Will be servicing these more often - and will be checking all of the above.

Even thought I ended up choosing to spend more money - I just want to re-affirm that Bobby was on the ball with being available, and in providing feedback on what to do. Damn fine vendor.

 

[matt.mcinnes]

Can't agree more, Bobby was happy to replace my broken 30 spline axle no argument or questions, just done.

Only issue was he wanted the axle back and I wanted it for a souvenir so I just bought another complete set of 30 splines. They are worth every cent.

 

[Tapage]

Not true. We just ask you to use a good moly lube grease if an when you repack them. They already come pack with a good moly lube.

Can you share which it's your favorite grease .. or the most you use in your birf .. ? ( maybe couple of options )