TIP: for replacing a front axle seal (2 Viewers)

[Shooter307]

Recently replaced my birf and axle seal while I was there but I did not take the knuckle down past the spindle as I saw no need to.

I've seen a lot of people saying you cant replace the axle seal with the knuckle on or that you can only use the flathead 'shank and yank' method - don't like this method much as you risk putting dents/scrapes in your knuckle ball(BTDT).

Not sure if it's so simple nobody mentions it or nobody has thought of it but...

-All you have to do is get to the point where you have removed the spindle and axle shaft

-Then jack up the other side of the axle and #Turn the steering wheel to full lock#

-Once it's turned the knuckle should be at an angle giving you more clearance on one side, jimmy the seal puller in on that side and yank 'er out!

*Mine had 2 edges, I used the smaller side hook and situated the little groove against the seal.

Hope this helps somebody as much as It did me when I thought of it.

 

[Kernal]

Do you have photos you can post up showing your method? How did you replace the knuckle wipers?

 

[Shooter307]

Do you have photos you can post up showing your method? How did you replace the knuckle wipers?

Didn't think to take pictures at the time, if you're there doing it once you turn the steering to full lock you'll see what I mean though as soon as you stick the seal puller in. And I didn't replace the wipers, everything as far as I saw was fine other than my birf was clicking kinda bad so that was my main point was replacing the birf with another new one I had bought and repacking the birf/knuckle too with fresh grease.

 

[Qball]

Very cool tip, thanks! I have marlin seals so might have to do that at some point.

 

[93yotasr5]

That's exactly how I have always done it too. Way easier than taking off more parts than necessary.

 

[LFD2037]

So what are you not having to do that you would regularly be doing? Thanks.

 

[BILT4ME]

You are NOT pulling the trunnion bearings and complete outer knuckle and knuckle ball seals. For me, I have a long slide hammer that I will stick in through the outside and it has a small lip on it designed for pulling seals.

 

[Shooter307]

So what are you not having to do that you would regularly be doing? Thanks.

You are NOT pulling the trunnion bearings and complete outer knuckle and knuckle ball seals. For me, I have a long slide hammer that I will stick in through the outside and it has a small lip on it designed for pulling seals.

BILT4ME Nailed it. Although I've never seen a slide hammer used for pulling seals, sounds very useful especially in a tight location.

LFD2037, like BILT said you aren't messing with any trunnion bearings or knuckle gaskets/wipers and the entire knuckle assembly itself by removing it. You get to this point in disassembling the axle:

Then turn the wheel and the arms on the knuckle turn it so your seal puller can get in at the angle to grab behind the seal and pull it(I'm referring to one of the t-type double hooked pullers)

This obviously isn't the approach if you want to check your trunnion bearings or replace the knuckle wipers/seals but if you know all you need to do is replace the axle seal then doing anything more is just extra work.

 

[blkprj80]

Okay, I see. The double claw seal puller is laid flat, and you have to turn the hub so the handle allows you to grab the seal. Nice tip! Thanks!!

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Just finished doing this this weekend.. No issues whatsoever. !!