Time to rebuild Birfields ? (1 Viewer)

[RickD]

What are the signs that it is time to redo?

Front Diff when drainned appeared to have "Grease" in it - soupy consistency.
Checked the fill plug on knuckles - found some graes in there - about 1/3-1/2 full.
Not haering any noise comming from front end.

Thanks

 

[TX_TLC]

When was the last time they were repacked?
More infor about your truck would help too...

 

[ryanjl]

In your case, the reason to replace the axle seals (basically rebuilding the birfield) may be because of what you described in your differential, and not because of anything in the knuckle.

Getting too much grease in the diff can have bad results.

 

[lovetoski]

What are the signs that it is time to redo?

Front Diff when drainned appeared to have "Grease" in it - soupy consistency.
Checked the fill plug on knuckles - found some graes in there - about 1/3-1/2 full.
Not haering any noise comming from front end.

Thanks

I think that hearing noise would be a sign that something is worn. Front axle rebuilds are to prevent wear (in so far as possible - bearings/seals excepted). No noise in your case seems like a good thing. Soupy stuff in your diff however is bad. I think you need a rebuild. The question is while you are in there what parts do you need to replace, and that's where having some history would be good. You'll need a bunch of gaskets and seals, but it's harder to guess on bearings.

 

[cruiserdan]

Miles on vehicle?

Miles since last axle service?

Long term plans for vehicle?

What is vehicle?


So many questions, so little time........

 

[RickD]

More info on truck

1991 Fj80 with 139500 miles. Just purchased from orginal owner.
The orginal owner was a retired dentist so I have reason to beleive that there was normal maintenance done. Don't have records though.

Hope to keep it for a good while. Don't plan to use it for off roading. Occasional use in snow in NC mountains (i'm in Charlotte NC).

Thanks for the help!l

 

[cruiserdan]

In that case, service the axle. My bet is it has never been done other than wheel bearings.