Good afternoon Mudders,
I recently purchased an 86' HJ61. Been hearing a pop/clunk from up front (front left maybe), usually when turning. I jacked up the front end and did the 12 & 6 o'clock test and noticed some play/wobble in the front left tire. I assume that means a bearing has gone. I also hear some noise when spinning both front tires freely.
I ordered a knuckle rebuild kit & tie rod end kit, and have been picking up the tools I'll need. *I'm not a mechanic but sounds like this is something I can handle.
My question is if I should be concerned with the birfields?
From what I understand, a birfield going out creates a clicking noise? I haven't had any clicking, just the occasional pop/clunk.
*I noticed in the old repair records there was a note of a leak (diff fluid getting into the knuckle I think) on that same front left wheel, and the note mentioned it could be a bent axle. That was in 2014 shortly before it was imported to the US. The previous owner said he hadn't noticed any leak since he bought it in 2015. He seemed honest but there's also some faded fluid drip marks on the inside of that tire. Could be from that leak from 2014 though, as the owner I got it from had only driven it around 20k miles since he bought it so I assume they're still the same tires.
I am hoping to keep my costs to a minimum, but don't want to skip a step I should just do since I'm already getting in there. I'm not sure how long birfields last, and if I should just replace them, or if since I don't have any clicking I should hold off and just inspect them before spending the money.
Thanks for any help. You guys rock!
I recently purchased an 86' HJ61. Been hearing a pop/clunk from up front (front left maybe), usually when turning. I jacked up the front end and did the 12 & 6 o'clock test and noticed some play/wobble in the front left tire. I assume that means a bearing has gone. I also hear some noise when spinning both front tires freely.
I ordered a knuckle rebuild kit & tie rod end kit, and have been picking up the tools I'll need. *I'm not a mechanic but sounds like this is something I can handle.
My question is if I should be concerned with the birfields?
From what I understand, a birfield going out creates a clicking noise? I haven't had any clicking, just the occasional pop/clunk.
*I noticed in the old repair records there was a note of a leak (diff fluid getting into the knuckle I think) on that same front left wheel, and the note mentioned it could be a bent axle. That was in 2014 shortly before it was imported to the US. The previous owner said he hadn't noticed any leak since he bought it in 2015. He seemed honest but there's also some faded fluid drip marks on the inside of that tire. Could be from that leak from 2014 though, as the owner I got it from had only driven it around 20k miles since he bought it so I assume they're still the same tires.
I am hoping to keep my costs to a minimum, but don't want to skip a step I should just do since I'm already getting in there. I'm not sure how long birfields last, and if I should just replace them, or if since I don't have any clicking I should hold off and just inspect them before spending the money.
Thanks for any help. You guys rock!