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Technical Forum (Read Only) => Drivetrain => Topic started by: beastie_3 on May 27, 2011, 07:19:17 PM

Title: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on May 27, 2011, 07:19:17 PM
Here is a DIY to tear down a axle from the tire to the axle shaft. Good instructions for replacing a axle shaft, U joint, seals, wheel bearings, ball joints, removing calipers, spindle, etc.

THIS IS HOW I DID IT, AND THE FOLLOWING IS ONLY A SUGGESTION. YOU MUST REVERT TO A MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC VEHICLE.

Tools needed (depending on how far you will tear down)
BFH
Sockets, wrench, cheater bar
Snap ring pliers
Needle nose pliers
Torque wrench in/lb and ft/lb
Flat tip screwdriver
Jack and stands
Allen wrench set (for Warn hubs 7/64 and caliper 3/8)
Bearing packer/grease gun
Axle nut socket Performance Tool Part # W1269 for GM 10 bolt and Dana 44
Ball joint press
Wire wheel/drill
Picks
Pry bar
Penetrating lube



Step 1. Safely chock wheels, set E brake, position axle on jack stand, and remove tire. Soak everything in your favorite penetrating lube, especially the ball joints, if your removing them.

Step 2. Remove brake caliper and secure so it doesnt fall or hang from brake line.

Step 3. Remove your hub. I had manual hubs, so I locked the hub and removed the (6) 7/64 allen bolts. Then I removed two snap rings and pulled it all out. Its easier to pull it out if you screw two screws back in. It should now look like this...
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50475;image)

Step 4. Remove outer axle nut, washer, and inner axle nut with axle nut socket. The washer might be a little difficult to get out without a pick or screwdriver. A bent coat hanger can work.

Before:
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50476;image)
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50477;image)

After:
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50478;image)

Step 5. Now that the axle nut is off, slide the hub assembly and brake rotor off, taking care not to drop the outer bearing if you aren't replacing it. This is how it should look now.
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50479;image)

Step 6. Remove the (6) 9/16 nuts and washers shown above and slide off the dust shield/caliper bracket.
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50480;image)

Carefully tap a flat tip screwdriver between the back of the spindle and the knuckle to separate them. You may have to do a little at a time, moving around as you go. A rubber or dead blow hammer can work as well, just be careful because it is what the bearings ride on.

It should now look like this:
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50481;image)

Step 7. If you are removing the axle shaft, replacing the U joint or ball joints, you can slide out the axle shafts at this time. I used a paper towel to wrap the end so grease wouldn't get everywhere and so the splines wouldn't get damaged. Just pull it all out and set it in a safe place. It should now look like this...
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50482;image)

Step 8. Remove tie rod and drag link if removing knuckle.

Step 9. Remove upper castle nut and lower nut on the ball joints and have fun with a BFH. Dont hit the top of the upper ball joint because it will mushroom and damage the adjusting sleeve. A pry bar assists sometimes. I found it easier to take the steering arm off when using the pry bar. That means I HAVE TO BUY NEW NUTS because they are "one time use."

Knuckle removed...look at all that dirt and debris....
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50482;image)

US Marines improvise, adapt, and over come...I didn't have vacuum extensions long enough to get the dirt out of the axle tube, so I used some duct tape and a hollow broom handle...
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50484;image)

I used a wire wheel to clean up most of the dirt and grime, then some black paint to make it look a lil nicer.

To remove the ball joints, the lower ball joint must be removed first. Set up your ball joint tool according to its instructions, this is how mine set up. Remember to remove the snap ring first on the bottom ball joint. Each ball joint gets pressed "upward."
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50485;image)

Recommended torque specs per factory 1979 Chevrolet light duty truck service manual. Always consult your own manual.

Ball joint, lower                 70 ft/lb
Ball joint, upper                100 ft/lb tighten as necessary to align castle nut with cotter pin hole.
Drag link to steering arm
Dust shield to knuckle        33 ft/lb
Inner spindle bearing         50 ft/lb while spinning hub. Back nut off and re-torque to 35 ft/lb while spinning hub. Back nut off again
                                     maximum 3/8 turn to align washer.
Outer spindle bearing         80ft/lb
Steering arm nuts             90 ft/lb
Tie rod to knuckle             45 ft/lb
Wheel lug nuts                 70-90 ft/lb or per wheel manufacturer.





Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Blazin on May 27, 2011, 11:16:54 PM
Cool write up. A dead blow hammer works well to whack the spindle between the two surfaces that the bearing cover. Once you get one side open a little then slide the screw driver in there, and hit the spindle toward the screw driver with the dead blow hammer.
There is also a slide hammer attachment that treads onto the spindle that works pretty good too.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on May 28, 2011, 11:49:51 AM
Ya I didnt want to suggest hitting the spindle, someone out there would have used a regular hammer.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on May 30, 2011, 04:59:25 PM
So, as I'm cleaning up the area before I put the wheel back on, I noticed a part laying on the ground (oh no!) that I didnt recognize when I took it off...

It came out in between the inner axle nut and outer wheel bearing...Almost a year ago, I did as described above on the passenger side of the axle and don't remember this piece being in there. 2 of my mechanic books (1 haynes and 1 GM factory book) dont show this piece, but only show the axle nut up against the bearing. I dont remember which way it faced when I took it out either. I think the face up side was against the bearing.

Do I need it?
Should it be there?
Was it only for the brand of bearing I took out?
WTH?

(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20739.0;attach=50486;image)
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 31, 2011, 02:10:38 AM
is it a seal or metal?
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on May 31, 2011, 05:05:34 PM
metal
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 31, 2011, 07:26:02 PM
i dont recognize it
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Grim 82 on May 31, 2011, 07:33:08 PM
This is a great thread. What is the diameter of that piece? I've had 10 bolts and dana 44's apart a few times on a few trucks and that piece doesn't look familiar.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 31, 2011, 07:42:15 PM
i thought the axle nut just sits on the bearing. only thing i can think of is look at the other side
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 31, 2011, 07:46:06 PM
i want to say there is a rubber seal missing off it. let me see what i can find
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on May 31, 2011, 07:47:13 PM
The inner diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the inner part of the bearing. Confusing huh. OK, pic in the link is for reference only. See the flush part with the text? That fits inside the inner diameter of the piece im asking about. I think it is somewhat of a grease seal because of the way it fits on the bearing.

http://www.vertexauto.com/showitem/3243%20porsche%20%20wheel%20bearing%20-%20front%20outer.aspx

I thought the axle nut sits on the bearing as well. I dont remember this on the other side, but maybe Ill have to take a look.

Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on May 31, 2011, 07:49:33 PM
If you look at the 2nd and 3rd pic, you can see it deep inside. the lip is facing the bearing.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Tater502 on May 31, 2011, 07:51:06 PM
So, as I'm cleaning up the area before I put the wheel back on, I noticed a part laying on the ground (oh no!) that I didnt recognize when I took it off...

It came out in between the inner axle nut and outer wheel bearing...Almost a year ago, I did as described above on the passenger side of the axle and don't remember this piece being in there. 2 of my mechanic books (1 haynes and 1 GM factory book) dont show this piece, but only show the axle nut up against the bearing. I dont remember which way it faced when I took it out either. I think the face up side was against the bearing.

Do I need it?
Should it be there?
Was it only for the brand of bearing I took out?
WTH?

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c196/beastie_3/Truck/IMAG0223.jpg)

I just did the brakes and bearings in my 79 k20 a couple weeks ago. That piece fell out of one side(same spot yours was) and I never put it back in. Did a lot of searching on the internet and couldnt find anything about it.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Grim 82 on May 31, 2011, 07:55:12 PM
I suppose it could be a washer so the nut isn't tightened directly against the bearing, and it might help with grease retention in the bearing. Have you been able to find an exploded parts diagram for it?

There should be a 1/4" thick felt dust cover by the axle tube.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on May 31, 2011, 07:59:37 PM
Never found it in any exploded diagrams

no felt on axle tubes, your talking about the main tube where the main axle shaft slides in to prevent that mound of dirt piling up? havent been able to find any parts for that, I inquired it about it awhile ago.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: VileZambonie on May 31, 2011, 10:04:40 PM
Look at # 270
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on June 01, 2011, 12:45:20 AM
The part I'm referring to in reply #3 when I tore the axle down was found in between #252 and 253.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: VileZambonie on June 04, 2011, 09:47:22 AM
Well whoever put it there put it in the wrong spot
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on June 15, 2011, 10:14:58 PM
I have #270 in the correct spot. The part Im referring to is smaller and the lip is on the outside, not the inside, like #270.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: 1979C20 on June 16, 2011, 03:38:12 AM
Vile, where do you get all of your diagrams? All data?
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Irish_Alley on June 16, 2011, 08:48:58 AM
they are stored in his head ;D
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: 1979C20 on June 16, 2011, 02:51:59 PM
I knew he was a robot! He probably just plugs into his computer for them. ;D
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Irish_Alley on June 16, 2011, 04:21:48 PM
his thumb is a real thumb drive
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: big bear on June 16, 2011, 05:13:50 PM
haha  i knew it had to be something like that
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: DustyRusty on June 16, 2011, 08:45:16 PM
Beastie-

Great photo documentation and write up. 

I have done what you did but only on D44s in two Dodge trucks many years ago.  Your solution to vacuum the debris out of the axle tubes is innovative.  I didn't have a vacuum.  So I used a shotgun cleaning rod and attached a home made half-moon scraper to the end of it and raked out the debris as best as I could.

You didn't discuss it, but there is an adjusting ring that is supposed to be replaced with the upper ball joint.  They are a matched pair.  Refer to #300 on Vile's parts diagram.  The adjusting sleeve is supposed to be packaged with the upper ball joint when you buy the parts.  Just curious if you replaced it and just forgot to mention it.

Also, the six 9/16" nuts you mentioned:  Did you replace those?  I thought they were cone nuts and one-time use only.  When I did mine, I wasn't aware of this but I reinstalled them with some red Loctite and never had a problem.

I appreciate your effort.  I know it takes a lot of time to capture the process with a camera and then write it up for the rest of us.  Keep up the good work!

Rusty
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on June 16, 2011, 10:50:00 PM
Beastie-

You didn't discuss it, but there is an adjusting ring that is supposed to be replaced with the upper ball joint.  They are a matched pair.  Refer to #300 on Vile's parts diagram.  The adjusting sleeve is supposed to be packaged with the upper ball joint when you buy the parts.  Just curious if you replaced it and just forgot to mention it.

Manual says not to touch it unless alignment is off.

Also, the six 9/16" nuts you mentioned:  Did you replace those?  I thought they were cone nuts and one-time use only.  When I did mine, I wasn't aware of this but I reinstalled them with some red Loctite and never had a problem.

The six 9/16 nuts, I did not replace, not needed. You are thinking of the 3 nuts on the top of the steering arm which need to be replaced. I used red loctite on the six nuts because they only get tightened to 120in/lb.

Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on August 01, 2011, 05:44:13 PM
Tore down the driver side again in search of mysterious "pop" i describe in another thread. While at it I tore down the passenger side as well and that metal ring was on the passenger side, so I put it back on the driver side after inspecting the bearings.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: ehjorten on August 04, 2011, 07:57:46 AM
If I read you right on where this came from (it is early in the morning for me) this is the washer that the locking hub spring sits on.  When you get the axle nuts all tightened properly and are ready to put the hub back on, you slip this piece into the hub with the lip facing towards the bearings, the spring then goes in and then the hub.

Here is a picture: http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0900c152/80/04/c6/c5/large/0900c1528004c6c5.gif

It is item #14 Spring Retainer Plate
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on August 04, 2011, 11:50:23 AM
It looks like it could be that piece, but it isnt where I found it. I have Warn hubs and it wouldnt fit where it is in the picture.

I found it between the outer bearing and the inner spindle nut.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: ehjorten on August 04, 2011, 11:56:02 AM
I've been through my K20 and I have that spring retainer plate!  The inner diameter of the piece is larger than the spindle nut.  It creates a seat for the pressure spring to sit on so that it does not wedge itself onto the outer bearing.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: beastie_3 on August 04, 2011, 12:09:00 PM
Wierd...I put it back where I got it, and when I replaced the bearings, they werent damaged.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: rustymitchell on August 16, 2011, 08:56:22 PM
It is just a base for the spring to push against.  It's part of the stock locking hub kit.  If you replace your locking hubs with an aftermarket set then you don't need this part as they don't use a spring.  Most aftermarket hubs move the locking gear mechanically rather than with that spring. 
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: enaberif on April 30, 2015, 08:11:18 AM
I know its been awhile since anyone has posted in this but I just want to say thanks as I had that retainer cup fall out of my passenger side as well and not my driver side and couldn't figure out what it was for.

Thanks to this thread I now know and will be getting a replacement for the driver side.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Big Daddy on August 24, 2016, 08:02:24 PM
I know this is a little late but that washer goes between the outer bearing and the nut. I just took mine apart to replace the u-joint and that's where it was.
Title: Re: DIY: Replace front axle components
Post by: Irish_Alley on July 29, 2017, 07:23:38 AM
Just an FYI beastie's pictures are no longer available. if you plan on replacing your front axle could you take some pictures and or make a write-up on your job