Hey guys,
I've torn into my front axle to address a leak on the left knuckle and am doing all seals, bearings, etc on both sides. I've pulled the axle and birfs and am looking for opinions on a couple of things.
First, below are pics of the axle shafts. The short side has a relatively pronounced wear groove to it, to the point where there is a barely visible lip - although, ironically, this side was not leaking much if any.
The long side is shown below and this side had a significant leak with diff oil all in it, broken bearings, etc.
My first question is - are the wear grooves on either side significant enough to warrant new shafts or should I just offset the oil seal and rock on? I really don't want to have to fork for new gear if not needed - but I also don't want to tear back into this biznitch if I don't have to.
My second question relates to the birfs. Prior to removing them I had zero indication of any problems - no clicking, grinding or anything. Having pulled them and separated them from the shafts, I proceeded to thoroughly de-grease and clean them. Once clean and dry, the inner portions (where the shafts insert) became fairly stiff in the socket - to the point where they are quite hard to turn without inserting a dowel or something. They moved smoothly when greased. Is that normal or should they move smoothly even when dry?
I'm hoping to wrap this mess up in the next few days and I really appreciate any feedback!
I've torn into my front axle to address a leak on the left knuckle and am doing all seals, bearings, etc on both sides. I've pulled the axle and birfs and am looking for opinions on a couple of things.
First, below are pics of the axle shafts. The short side has a relatively pronounced wear groove to it, to the point where there is a barely visible lip - although, ironically, this side was not leaking much if any.
The long side is shown below and this side had a significant leak with diff oil all in it, broken bearings, etc.
My first question is - are the wear grooves on either side significant enough to warrant new shafts or should I just offset the oil seal and rock on? I really don't want to have to fork for new gear if not needed - but I also don't want to tear back into this biznitch if I don't have to.
My second question relates to the birfs. Prior to removing them I had zero indication of any problems - no clicking, grinding or anything. Having pulled them and separated them from the shafts, I proceeded to thoroughly de-grease and clean them. Once clean and dry, the inner portions (where the shafts insert) became fairly stiff in the socket - to the point where they are quite hard to turn without inserting a dowel or something. They moved smoothly when greased. Is that normal or should they move smoothly even when dry?
I'm hoping to wrap this mess up in the next few days and I really appreciate any feedback!