top knuckle bearing

[jrcrawly]

I am in the process of rebuilding the front hubs on an 81 fj40. One of the steering arms on the top of the knuckle had no spacers. In the process of removing the top bearing, the bearing retainer separated from the race. The bearing race stuck to the post of the steering arm.
Is it normal to be missing the spacers? Should I replace the top bearing ?

 

[Coolerman]

It's possible the knuckle required no shims, but first one I have heard of.

Yes, replace all bearings in the knuckles. Complete kits are available from many vendors.

 

[jrcrawly]

Thanks. When I put the new bearing in, should I install new spacers? Since I am not the original owner, I'm not sure if someone's been in there or not. The other side that had spacers, came apart nicely and the bearing race did not have to be pryed off the steering arm post.

 

[Coolerman]

Unless you buy, or borrow the knuckle centering SST, you have no way to know how many shims to use...

 

[cruiser_guy]

You very likely need the spacers but as "Coolerman" says, you'll need the SST to determine the correct spacers.

I have an SST for that which I will loan out upon a deposit of $200 + shipping. The deposit is returned when the SST is back in my hands in the same condition as when it left.

 

[vtcruiser60]

I am in the process of rebuilding the front hubs on an 81 fj40. One of the steering arms on the top of the knuckle had no spacers. In the process of removing the top bearing, the bearing retainer separated from the race. The bearing race stuck to the post of the steering arm.
Is it normal to be missing the spacers? Should I replace the top bearing ?

I have had the race stick to the post of the steering arm as well. Take care not to mar the steering arm when removing this. I tightened the exposed race in a vise and was able to separate them that way. HTH.

 

[jrcrawly]

Since I am putting 81 disc brakes on a 73 axle, I guess there's no way to finish the job without the knuckle centering SST. Thanks cruiser_guy for the PM'ed advice and offering yours. Anyone out there with one a little closer to St. Paul, MN?