Replacing hub assy. Problems! (1 Viewer)

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May 5, 2016
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Up s*** creek without a paddle
I was replacing a hub assy on a 2008 fj 4x4. Got everything back together and tired the axle to 174lbs. Checked everything over and realized the steering knuckle grease retaining cap isn't seating. Doesn't look like the axle is seating all the way either. I have the right amount of threads and my cotter pin when through my castle but fine. Should I take a brass punch and see if I can seat it flush with the knuckle again. Thanks for any advice.
 
I've used a small hammer and piece of 1x2 lumber across the seal to get it seated evenly. usually doesn't take much and very surprise 175ft/lbs didn't pull it all together if it was lined up and mostly in already. Did the seal get pinched and bent preventing everything from seating completely?
 
It is possible. I noticed yesterday that it has way more taper than the other side. The other side is almost flat. I finally figured out that it's some kind of dust shield that sits on the end of the cv axle. I'm ordering the part today and I'm hoping that it fixes this issue because this doesn't look right to me.
 
Here's the diagram with torque specs from the FSM. There is no dust shield on the back of the hub face, just the disc brake dust cover and it has to be oriented properly before the four bolts go into the hub assembly.
FrHubAssembly-FJC.JPG
 
Now you got me thinking....

That hub was rusted on there bad. I wonder if the axle got pulled too far out bending that dust shield on the cv axle as it was getting pulled through the oil seal.

Thanks for the reply BMthiker. I'm talking about a dust shield "seal" whatever it is on the end of the cv axle.
 
The CV axle won't go any further through the hub than you can torque it down - no matter how much abuse it's had, just ain't gonna happen. The dust shield on the CV axle at the hub interface is just to protect the edge of the rubber on the knuckle oil seal. It is easy to damage if something gets jammed in there like a rock or a limb. I would try to straighten it out if it is pushed in or out of round.
 
I understand what your saying, but do you think as I was beating the hub off, the spindle was "seized" to the hub so as the hub was coming out so was the axle? That's the only logical reason I can come up with because the dust shield looks like should fit around the oil seal but it's just sticking out too far. I'll see what this new seal looks like then I will know for sure.

I hope you don't feel like I'm arguing with you haha.... I just don't think I'm being very clear in what I'm trying to say. I do really appreciate your replies!!
 
The CV dust shield should not fit tight around the hub seal because it spins while the hub seal remains static. If the end of your CV axle is damaged then you should attempt to straighten that dust shield - which of course means removing the spindle (but not the hub) to access the end of the axle (see next paragraph). The other option is to replace the axle, which may not be a bad thing depending on mileage and relative abuse. Then you can save the old axle assembly as a functional trail spare.

To check the end of the CV axle with minimal removal of parts follow these steps: remove the wheel, pry off dust cap, remove 35mm axle nut. Remove tie rod from spindle (cotter pin and 19mm). Then remove the two lower control arm bolts below the spindle (17mm, iirc). Then the whole spindle assembly (including caliper) can be pivoted off the end of CV axle (hinging at the upper ball joint). Use a bungee cord to hold it out of the way.
 
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From reviewing my pics just now that hub oil seal on the back side (CV side) of the spindle has a rim about 1/4" deep. The CV's dust shield looks to fit inside this.
Here's another couple shots.

IMG_0252.JPG
Spindle_2013-06-22 (3).jpg
 
Is that picture of the cv axle and steering knuckle showing up? It looks to me like you shouldn't see the rubber in the seal so I'm gonna take your advice and tap it down some. I'm getting a new one tomorrow anyway. I think this will fix the problem. I've got it all tore down now so I'll update asap. Thanks for the pics tho. I can compare what mine is suppose to look like. Would you happen to have a picture of the cv axle and steering knuckle all put together. I'd like to see what your drivers side dust shield and oil seal look like together. Thanks again!
 
Don't have a pic of that all assembled and I'm not driving it today. Unless you are really careful when first taking it apart, all of those seals should be replaced anyway: spindle seal and o-ring on the unit-hub assembly.
 
Yea I've watched it about 5 times. Thanks for the link tho. I'm heading to Toyota in like 5 minutes to pick up new sealS I'll post back in about two hours and let you know of my success or failure haha
 

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