Some of you may remember that I thought I had a front brake problem because the right front wheel seemed to "lock up" at very very low speeds, like in the car pool line. I took the truck to a 4X4 shop here in Macon, GA. They said the front axle needed rebuilding. I took them the internet step by step birfield rebuild and they seemed appreciative. They are telling me i need 2 new front "CV" joints. I think they mean birfields? Could there be a reason why they can't rebuild them? Its a 92 LC with 163K miles. If I have to buy new/rebuilt ones, where should I get them, sounds expensive. Oh yeah, is there anything I should look for when I go back to the shop? Thanks.
Urgent front axle help needed
- Thread starter Macondawg
- Start date
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Why are they saying the birfields are bad? Did they dissasemble them and find damage? If they just want to replace them because they can mark up the price and sell you something else then I'd say no. If they really are bad then definately replace them, however it's a little concerning that a 4x4 shop called them cv joints and not birfields. Do they have ANY experience working on Toyota's?
Good luck with the repair, and I assume you are having them replace all the bearings while in there also.
Good luck with the repair, and I assume you are having them replace all the bearings while in there also.
With that mileage you could definitely need new birfields if they haven't been maintained, maybe even if they were. The balls loosen up over time and create a groove in the bell portion. And you are correct that it sounds expensive. I think the Toyota ones list for about $600 each. I'm in the process of rebuilding my front axle on my 91. I've found that I'm going to have about $325 in seals and bearings. I'm doing the knuckle bearings as well as the wheel bearings. And after comparing aftermarket wheel bearing seals with Toyota ones I'd spend the extra to get the Toyota ones. Just pray you don't need new spindles. I needed one of those and that was about $200. I spent another $40 on grease for the project last night.
www.cruiserparts.net for used parts:
- spindle was $75
- knuckle housing was $75
- unknown on birfields...but you can go aftermarket for something like $200 each.
I am in Woodstock and will be tearing into mine to replace the above.
You need someone cruiser friendly in Macon to help? I know plenty of folks down there.
- spindle was $75
- knuckle housing was $75
- unknown on birfields...but you can go aftermarket for something like $200 each.
I am in Woodstock and will be tearing into mine to replace the above.
You need someone cruiser friendly in Macon to help? I know plenty of folks down there.
Mine went unserviced until I bought it. About 136k. They were both basically destroyed and needed to be replaced. Splines were worn to a razors edge on one, and the other had a basket that was incredibly loose.
semlin
curmudgeon
yup, they could definitely be toast at those miles. You can get aftermarket cvs for a 91 or 92 fairly cheap $150 ish but can't remember where. OEM is more like $490 I think, Not everyone has heard of birfields. The landcruiser "specialist" mechanic at my local Toyota dealer did not know what I was talking about until I said CV.
- Thread starter
- #8
[quote author=IdahoDoug link=board=2;threadid=16294;start=msg156664#msg156664 date=1084499083]
Macon,
With all the help and knowledge here on the list, you simply drove to a shop and bent over? (shakes head). Have fun.
DougM
[/quote]
I have no tools, no shop and no one to help me. This site is great but without some basic knowledge and tools, I guess bending over is all I can do. Thanks for the help Doug.
Macon,
With all the help and knowledge here on the list, you simply drove to a shop and bent over? (shakes head). Have fun.
DougM
[/quote]
I have no tools, no shop and no one to help me. This site is great but without some basic knowledge and tools, I guess bending over is all I can do. Thanks for the help Doug.
Be wary of aftermarket birfs. They do NOT last as long a OEM Toyota birfs. You get what you pay for.
Some well respected members of this forum have confirmed this time and again. If you have to get new birfs go to C-dan and get the smart shopper price, You'll save a LOT.
Thjey could definitely be bad, but might not be. Were they clicking in tight slow turns?
Some well respected members of this forum have confirmed this time and again. If you have to get new birfs go to C-dan and get the smart shopper price, You'll save a LOT.
Thjey could definitely be bad, but might not be. Were they clicking in tight slow turns?
[quote author=Macondawg link=board=2;threadid=16294;start=msg158398#msg158398 date=1084809202]
I have no tools, no shop and no one to help me. This site is great but without some basic knowledge and tools, I guess bending over is all I can do. Thanks for the help Doug.
[/quote]
Guess you missed my post offering to help and provide local contacts?!?!? ???
I have members of my cruiser club that live in Newnan and could have helped.
I have no tools, no shop and no one to help me. This site is great but without some basic knowledge and tools, I guess bending over is all I can do. Thanks for the help Doug.
[/quote]
Guess you missed my post offering to help and provide local contacts?!?!? ???
I have members of my cruiser club that live in Newnan and could have helped.
I am calling him tonight! 
Nice coincidence, I am in Newnan, but that is not exactly close to Macon (lived there once also)
Why aren't you at GSMTR? 
I wish I could go, missing for the first time in several years. :'(
I wish I could go, missing for the first time in several years. :'(
