Pitting on axle ball?

[PromontoryCruiser80]

Just rebuilt my front axle, during the rebuild I noticed some pitting,rust, corosion, not sure how to discribe it, on the axle "ball" (for lack of the correct term)where the trunnion bearings go is this normal? I dont think it will be a problem but I am really have no idea. Has anyone else seen this?

 

[Cruiser804]

Funny, I bought a front axle housing from someone who told me it was new. It's painted black and for the most part looked new except it had pitting on the balls.

 

[RavenTai]

my 62 has this pretty bad. the rough surface can be hard on the seals, seams to be a northern truck problem, my 80 has not a bit of rust in the balls.

 

[KLF]

It's pretty common, actually. When I was prepping my axle for the SAS on my pickup, I also didn't like the amount of pitting on the balls. So, I mixed up a batch of JB Weld and smeared it on, kinda like Bondo. Let it sit and cure for about 3 days, then I sanded them smooth with emory paper. Came out nice, they still look great several years later.

 

[markavalenti]

It's pretty common, actually. When I was prepping my axle for the SAS on my pickup, I also didn't like the amount of pitting on the balls. So, I mixed up a batch of JB Weld and smeared it on, kinda like Bondo. Let it sit and cure for about 3 days, then I sanded them smooth with emory paper. Came out nice, they still look great several years later.

JB weld is the key, works great!

 

[GXO]

JB weld your rusty balls! Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[chuck68]

I haven't seen it on any 80 myself. I have, however, been told that this is a lack of lube throughout the life of the vehicle and moisture has taken it's toll. I understand that it is normal but you might consider replacement if the vehicle is being set up for long term use. Hope this helps.

 

[IdahoDoug]

For the record, since he hasn't posted on the thread for almost a week, I don't think we're at all clear where the "pitting" is and to what extent it exists. If it's indeed near the bearings (flat spots) then the felt seal doesn't touch it and it makes absolutely no difference.

DougM

 

[chuck68]

That's true.

 

[OGBeno]

I took a stiff wire wheel at the end of a die grinder and got as much of the pitting out as possible. I tried to be careful to not grind down into the actual depth/thickness of the housing itself, but just to take away some of the roughness of the pitting.

 

[waydownunder80]

I haven't seen it on any 80 myself. I have, however, been told that this is a lack of lube throughout the life of the vehicle and moisture has taken it's toll. I understand that it is normal but you might consider replacement if the vehicle is being set up for long term use. Hope this helps.

so you would replace your whole axle housing because of some pitting?!?!

 

[Tools R Us]

If your talking about the part where the wiper seals rub, I have painted them with a nice thick coat of epoxy paint. The biggest issue is the ruff surface wearing the seals, the paint gives a smooth surface for them, it eventually wears off the high points, but stays in the pits and seals well.

 

[PromontoryCruiser80]

I dont think it is that bad, I am going to keep an eye on it it, a much closer eye than the PO. I guess a picture would of helped in the location of the "pitting"

 

[Elijah]

If your talking about the part where the wiper seals rub, I have painted them with a nice thick coat of epoxy paint. The biggest issue is the ruff surface wearing the seals, the paint gives a smooth surface for them, it eventually wears off the high points, but stays in the pits and seals well.

x2. I think you'll see that you're actually OK. One 80 I've owned had MINOR pitting where seals contacted the knuckle. Concerned me at first and then realized not a big deal.

 

[GXO]

when I was in my axle yesterday I noticed what you all are talking about but I saw no need to do anything about it. No structural or movement concerns at all.