Hey guys

I've got a steering u-joint on the way out. Changing it out is not a big deal but I have a question to see if I can save a little time.

Can I leave the unit bearing on the stub axle and just pull the axle and bearing as an assembly out thru the knuckle? Or am I missing something?

My front unit bearings are fine and I figured I might be able to not have to deal with pressing the stub axle out of the unit bearing. My front end has never been apart so I can imagine that getting the stub out of the bearing might be a pain so why not work around it unitl they need changing out.

Thanks in advance!

Jeff

 

the stub axle usually slides out of the bearing quite easily, its getting the bearing out of the knuckle that is the painful part.

I see no reason for what you suggest not to work, except for the part about guiding the axle back in so as not to wreck the axle seal. it is just plain easier with the axle separate from the hub.

Good luck with the whole thing. It is not difficult, just not my favorite thing to do.

 

I figured either way would be a bit of a pain, just thought maybe I could save a little time.

Appreciate the reply!

Jeff

 

I'm not that familiar with the way these axles with the unit bearings are put together, but what about the spindle? Is there a spindle on our axles like the older D44s and D60s with locking hubs? If so, the spindle is bolted to the knuckle of the diff tube and you have to yank everything separately to gain access to the spindle bolts. Like I said, I have never tore into one of these yet, so I don't know, but I'd like to.

 

YES, but it may be a little awkward, and trying to reassemble without crushing the oil seals will be difficult, those hubs are heavy...use the steering press method to remove the hubs....youll havem both off in 5 min.