semlin
curmudgeon
So for those thinking of paying a mechanic to do the birfield, here is an example of why this is a risky idea. The mechanic in this case seemed friendly, attentive and willing and worked in a clean well established shop which was recommended to me by a friend and specialized in axle and suspension work.
I redid my birfields myself (mostly - see other post) with Riley this weekend. I actually had them done in February of this year by a mechanic after one birfield went dry but I was not satisfied with the steering of the vehicle afterwards (intermittently stiff) and did not like some of the answers the mechanic gave after I questioned him closely, so I did it again. Glad I did. With the help of this board and 80scool I gave this mechanic complete verbal instructions on what I wanted done including servicing all the bearings and replacing if necessary. I was charged $700 for labour and $300 for parts including all seals and gaskets (we actually had a discussion about this because I got him to order the parts separately instead of the kit to save money). I also specified moly grease for the birfield and, after arguing with me it was not necessary, he told me he had found some. Anyway, here is what I found:
-wheel bearings were not removed or serviced and hub oil seals were not replaced. They just stuck fresh grease in the cavity in the hub between the bearings. Grease was so dry on D-S it was flaking off the seal and bearing.
-with the possible exception of the dust seal gasket, not a single gasket had been replaced. Instead he left the torn remnants of the gaskets in place and put on a bead of silicone (remember he charged me for the gaskets). I can't tell if the dust seal itself was replaced, but it sure is rusty for 8 months on unsalted roads.
-can't tell if he repacked the knuckle bearings or not, but one of the knuckle bearings he supposedly inspected and said was 'perfect' was pitted on three rollers 8 months later.
-it was impossible to tell if the inner oil seals were replaced, but he told me much later they were not, so I have no reason to disbelieve him. It certainly seemed as if the driver's side seal was leaking (not major leakage). This may be due to the inner axle support ring being loose (see other post).
-not convinced he used moly grease on the repack (at least I thought moly grease had a slightly gritty consistency and this grease was smooth). Whatever he used was black and was the same in the wheel bearing and knuckle housing.
I redid my birfields myself (mostly - see other post) with Riley this weekend. I actually had them done in February of this year by a mechanic after one birfield went dry but I was not satisfied with the steering of the vehicle afterwards (intermittently stiff) and did not like some of the answers the mechanic gave after I questioned him closely, so I did it again. Glad I did. With the help of this board and 80scool I gave this mechanic complete verbal instructions on what I wanted done including servicing all the bearings and replacing if necessary. I was charged $700 for labour and $300 for parts including all seals and gaskets (we actually had a discussion about this because I got him to order the parts separately instead of the kit to save money). I also specified moly grease for the birfield and, after arguing with me it was not necessary, he told me he had found some. Anyway, here is what I found:
-wheel bearings were not removed or serviced and hub oil seals were not replaced. They just stuck fresh grease in the cavity in the hub between the bearings. Grease was so dry on D-S it was flaking off the seal and bearing.
-with the possible exception of the dust seal gasket, not a single gasket had been replaced. Instead he left the torn remnants of the gaskets in place and put on a bead of silicone (remember he charged me for the gaskets). I can't tell if the dust seal itself was replaced, but it sure is rusty for 8 months on unsalted roads.
-can't tell if he repacked the knuckle bearings or not, but one of the knuckle bearings he supposedly inspected and said was 'perfect' was pitted on three rollers 8 months later.
-it was impossible to tell if the inner oil seals were replaced, but he told me much later they were not, so I have no reason to disbelieve him. It certainly seemed as if the driver's side seal was leaking (not major leakage). This may be due to the inner axle support ring being loose (see other post).
-not convinced he used moly grease on the repack (at least I thought moly grease had a slightly gritty consistency and this grease was smooth). Whatever he used was black and was the same in the wheel bearing and knuckle housing.
Glad you took a look at it yourself.
:-* 
