Front axle u joint question

[moshrider3]

I searched the forum and haven't been able to find anything regarding my situation so I thought I'd ask. I recently removed the front axle shaft to replace the U joints. When removing them, a small circular piece on the bottom of the shaft bent from just being so old and rusty, it was very thin. I kept going to remove the U joints and the piece actually popped off. I straightened it as best I could and it looks decent. I was wondering if it has to be perfectly straight, and if that's the case do they make replacements? I've only been able to find them for Dana 30's for jeeps.

Here are some pictures




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hatzie]

The part you're looking for is called an OIL Deflector or oil slinger...   That is TOAST.  It shouldn't be re-used in that condition.

You didn't say what year or 1/2, 3/4, or 1 ton...  It becomes exponentially more difficult to help without enough information.

Assuming that's a Dana 44 or 10 bolt front axle... the axle slinger is GM # 6273934 http://www.quad4x4.com/qu40058.html


The stub where the needle bearings ride looks less than smooth.  What do the needle bearings inside the inner end of the spindle look like?

[moshrider3]

Ah ok thanks. It's a 1/2 ton with a Dana 44 up front.

Here some pics of the inner needle bearings


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hatzie]

Ah ok thanks. It's a 1/2 ton with a Dana 44 up front.

Here some pics of the inner needle bearings


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Those look OK.  As long as the stub where they ride is smooth you should be able to grease the bearings and install a new slinger and grease seal then reassemble.

Sent from my SM-P605V using Tapatalk

[moshrider3]

Okay awesome thank you for the help


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Captain Swampy]

Napa BK1 is a kit that has the steel piece, the rubber seal that goes on it, the needle bearing, the seal for the needle bearing, and the nylon thrust washer.

[Blazin]

Auto Zone sells a kit that replaces all the pieces too.

[hatzie]

Auto Zone sells a kit that replaces all the pieces too.

If it's not Timkin or Torrington bearings with Chicago Rawhide (CR) seals then I'd go elsewhere.  German made FAG bearings are pretty good too but I guarantee you won't get those at Autozone.

Are these American names now Asian? 
Torrington needle bearings manufacturing facilities are owned by Japanese Company JTEKT after being owned and sold off by Ingersoll Rand and Timken.  The manufacturing seems to still be in North America.
Timken is very global with manufacturing in the US, Canada, Brazil, The UK, Poland, India, and China.  Look at the MADE IN stamp.  I avoid Chinese and India parts because so much garbage comes from that area of the world.  It's not that they can't make quality product its' that they seem to be unwilling to do so... or the US companies that contract in that area of the world don't care to do any quality control.
Chicago Rawhide is owned by SKF who makes bearings and seals all over the world.  Pay attention to the MADE IN stamp.  European (including the former Warsaw Pact nations), Japanese, or North American origin is better than the alternatives.

[Peter S]

I have a NAPA "BK1" kit in front of me, it is made by SKF and on the box it states "made in USA".

[Blazin]

I buy Timkin, CR, and Moog parts at Auto Zone all the time. You have to specify what you want. No different than any other chain, or franchise auto parts stores.

[Captain Swampy]

I have a NAPA "BK1" kit in front of me, it is made by SKF and on the box it states "made in USA".

The box, or the parts in it? LMAO. Sorry I couldn't resist.