I have a 1990 HZJ80 and this is my first time attempting to rebuild the steering knuckle on the left side, which has the longer axle.
I replaced the CV joint, mounted it on the axle, and secured it with the snap ring. After greasing everything, I reassembled the hub. Before installing the flange, I could quite easily spin the axle by hand and noticed a slight back-and-forth play, which I assume is normal. However, after bolting on the new flange, I it became much harder to spin the axle or pull it out a few millimeters using the 8mm bolt.
I then positioned the hub and the flange of the manual locking hub in place (without bolting them down) and realized that, without the ability to pull the axle out slightly, I couldn't install the snap ring because the groove wasn't exposed.
I have previously worked on the hubs of this vehicle and I recall being able to attach a bolt to the end of the axle and pull it out a bit on both sides. To confirm this, I removed the locking hub cover from the other side and found that I could indeed move it back and forth.
I wondered if I hadn't pushed the axle back far enough, but I'm quite certain I did. Pushing it in further would only exacerbate the issue. I even tried using the old axle flange, but faced the same problem. Now, I'm confused and concerned that I might have received the wrong CV joint.
I could really use some guidance from those with more experience in this matter.
Thank you.
I replaced the CV joint, mounted it on the axle, and secured it with the snap ring. After greasing everything, I reassembled the hub. Before installing the flange, I could quite easily spin the axle by hand and noticed a slight back-and-forth play, which I assume is normal. However, after bolting on the new flange, I it became much harder to spin the axle or pull it out a few millimeters using the 8mm bolt.
I then positioned the hub and the flange of the manual locking hub in place (without bolting them down) and realized that, without the ability to pull the axle out slightly, I couldn't install the snap ring because the groove wasn't exposed.
I have previously worked on the hubs of this vehicle and I recall being able to attach a bolt to the end of the axle and pull it out a bit on both sides. To confirm this, I removed the locking hub cover from the other side and found that I could indeed move it back and forth.
I wondered if I hadn't pushed the axle back far enough, but I'm quite certain I did. Pushing it in further would only exacerbate the issue. I even tried using the old axle flange, but faced the same problem. Now, I'm confused and concerned that I might have received the wrong CV joint.
I could really use some guidance from those with more experience in this matter.
Thank you.
