[canterman]

Hello to all who read this. I hope this is a simple question( really 2) for one of you out there. Here goes.... I have a bad axle u joint ,not drvshft, on front pasngr side. Pretty sure axle shafts must come out. Can the axle seals(inner/outer) stay pressed on/in or do they have to be replaced as well? Would like to be able to just put the axles back in so I can just do the work myself. Dont want to mess with diff. internals. Skeered! Also, is there anything in particular that needs to be done in regards to the lockers when removing the shafts. Thank you in advance for any responses. I have Googled, searched this site(which I have been a proud member of for years now : ), and JP Magazine site/past issues for a week now and nothin...

 

[micah2074]

you probably only have the factory inner seals, they will stay in when you pull the shaft. unless someone put some of the outer tube seals in. the inner seal will likely be fine. i've had my shafts out several time with no leaks showing up. you will not have to mess with anything in the diff. remove the wheels, brakes, and unbolt the unit bearing the shaft will slide out.

 

[SweetPee]

you probably only have the factory inner seals, they will stay in when you pull the shaft. unless some put some of the outer tube seals in. the inner seal will likely be fine. i've had my shafts out several time with no leaks showing up. you will not have te mess with anything in the diff. remove the wheels, breaks, and unbolt the unit bearing the shaft will slide out.

Exactly! When you do go to reinstall the shaft, be concious of that inner shaft seal and carefully try to get the shaft to slide in. If you just force or push it in their hard you are likely to damage that inner seal and cause yourself more work. Nothing special has to be done with the locker or anything. It is a pretty simple job just as micah indicated above.

 

[warsw]

On the front axle there is only an inner seal, it does not come out when you pull the axle, it will stay in the housing. You will be able to just pull the axle, do the work and slide the axle back in. Be careful when putting the axle back in so you don't ruin the seal. To replace the seal becomes a “BIG” job. I put a light film of grease where the seal rides on the axle to help it slide in smoothly. I hope this helps some.

Wow....everyone beat me to it. Oh well, what everyone else said :laugh: .

 

[Tigger]

Make sure you clean the axle tube before sliding the axle shaft back in. There is probably a lot of mud and dirt in there. If you lower the axle shaft when reinstalling and get any of the mud or dirt on the end, you are likely to damage the seal.

 

[gregert12]

Make sure you clean the axle tube before sliding the axle shaft back in. There is probably a lot of mud and dirt in there. If you lower the axle shaft when reinstalling and get any of the mud or dirt on the end, you are likely to damage the seal.

^This.




I use a threaded rod with a fender washer to scrape out the dirt and rocks.

 

[Okies]

Easy job for sure. Once the axle is out shine a flashlight in the tube. Some are clean and some are full of crap. Coat hanger and a shop vac or rags tied to a stick will help clean em out.

What size socket does he need? 24mm? Been awhile since I've messed with one. BFH will come in handy. Lol

 

[gregert12]

Easy job for sure. Once the axle is out shine a flashlight in the tube. Some are clean and some are full of crap. Coat hanger and a shop vac or rags tied to a stick will help clean em out.

What size socket does he need? 24mm? Been awhile since I've messed with one. BFH will come in handy. Lol

13mm wrench to remove the brake caliper
13mm 12pt socket to remove the 3 bolts holding the unit bearing

edit-

OP, here are a few great write-ups to help you along.



How to remove and what it looks like
http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/30spline/30spline-1.htm

Ujoint replacement
http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/ujoint1/u-joint-1.htm

 

[canterman]

Thanx to all of you. Im going to go ahead and tackle it this weekend. Spicer part # anyone?

 

[rescue2emtp]

5-760x

 

[1982cj7]

Watch for a plastic deflector on newer axles, it sometimes does not come out when pulling out the axle so when you put it back in it can get caught in the seal. Most of the time it stays on the axle, it is there to keep some of the bigger dirt and rocks out of the seal.

 

[canterman]

Thanx again everyone. I made it thru it but it wasnt easy. Had one of the bolts break off in the unit bearing. Bout never got that b*$#@rd off. Finally got it (BFH) but could not get the bolt out. We hit it with everything. Bought new Timkin $99.

 

[billdacat]

Watch for a plastic deflector on newer axles, it sometimes does not come out when pulling out the axle so when you put it back in it can get caught in the seal. Most of the time it stays on the axle, it is there to keep some of the bigger dirt and rocks out of the seal.

X2...Yep; you pull the axle and the "guide" stays behind. Reinstall the axle and push the guide into the seal. BTDT...

IMHO: Clean the axle tubes and use a couple short sections (3-4") of Sch 80 PVC conduit to replace the guides.