Ball Joints U-Joints Wheel Bearings & Axles
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This week I'm doing the project, and yesterday took off most of the parts. I still need to remove the ball joints and u-joints today.
I was surprised to find that the seal on the axle didn't meet the body and the axles are that rusted.
When I put them back in, is there a trick to seating these seals again to prevent water from entering that axle cavity?
![](http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/Captain_Morgan_2600/th_IMG_20160329_164746_zpsfopm39uf.jpg)
![](http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/Captain_Morgan_2600/th_IMG_20160329_175723_zpsutczkqnx.jpg)
![](http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/Captain_Morgan_2600/th_IMG_20160329_175714_zpsd8tmrjlz.jpg)
I was surprised to find that the seal on the axle didn't meet the body and the axles are that rusted.
When I put them back in, is there a trick to seating these seals again to prevent water from entering that axle cavity?
![](http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/Captain_Morgan_2600/th_IMG_20160329_164746_zpsfopm39uf.jpg)
![](http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/Captain_Morgan_2600/th_IMG_20160329_175723_zpsutczkqnx.jpg)
![](http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/Captain_Morgan_2600/th_IMG_20160329_175714_zpsd8tmrjlz.jpg)
![](http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/Captain_Morgan_2600/th_IMG_20160329_175704_zpsz8ywjlyq.jpg)
#2
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It lets more than just water in. Mine had mud and sand in there as well. I used a threaded rod I had with a big fender washer attached to pull all the crap out before re-assembly.
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That happened to mine, too. And, with the axles sleeved and a dust shield on the outer part of the shaft, that muck stay trapped in there until the mud wore a groove into the Chromoly shafts, causing front seal leaks. Fortunately was able to turn the shafts and replace the seals to stop the leak. Fellow who did the machine work--old time off-roader, suggested to never seal those tubes off because they always let muck in, but not back out. Instead, fill up the area next to the inner seal with marine grease--lots of it--to keep the muck away from the seal. That's what I did about 75K miles ago and haven't had a problem since.
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That happened to mine, too. And, with the axles sleeved and a dust shield on the outer part of the shaft, that muck stay trapped in there until the mud wore a groove into the Chromoly shafts, causing front seal leaks. Fortunately was able to turn the shafts and replace the seals to stop the leak. Fellow who did the machine work--old time off-roader, suggested to never seal those tubes off because they always let muck in, but not back out. Instead, fill up the area next to the inner seal with marine grease--lots of it--to keep the muck away from the seal. That's what I did about 75K miles ago and haven't had a problem since.
I pulled a front axle from a JY XJ and it had a large groove worn in it too. So bad I couldn't even use it so I've seen what can happen.
I read they have aftermarket shields that are supposed to be better but haven't seen them yet.
Last edited by 14Sport; 03-30-2016 at 09:44 AM.
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Guides @ 2 each, dust cover spins freely, not water tight, got it. I'm flushing the pumkins and replacing the diff fluids after I get the rest of the job completed.
So I got both ball joints off one side, and the Synergy upper and lower back on and straight using a shim. But the other side, holy freakin . . . I can't get it, I've worn myself out. I even ejected the inner shaft hoping that might help, but it's a no go. I have a 1\2 bar about 30 inches long and even with a little cheater extension, I've gone as far as I have the strength to go, I can't make a smidgen of a turn more.
Maybe being under pressure over time will help it budge, but at this point I'm dead in the water with the project.
So I got both ball joints off one side, and the Synergy upper and lower back on and straight using a shim. But the other side, holy freakin . . . I can't get it, I've worn myself out. I even ejected the inner shaft hoping that might help, but it's a no go. I have a 1\2 bar about 30 inches long and even with a little cheater extension, I've gone as far as I have the strength to go, I can't make a smidgen of a turn more.
Maybe being under pressure over time will help it budge, but at this point I'm dead in the water with the project.
#7
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Guides @ 2 each, dust cover spins freely, not water tight, got it. I'm flushing the pumkins and replacing the diff fluids after I get the rest of the job completed.
So I got both ball joints off one side, and the Synergy upper and lower back on and straight using a shim. But the other side, holy freakin . . . I can't get it, I've worn myself out. I even ejected the inner shaft hoping that might help, but it's a no go. I have a 1\2 bar about 30 inches long and even with a little cheater extension, I've gone as far as I have the strength to go, I can't make a smidgen of a turn more.
Maybe being under pressure over time will help it budge, but at this point I'm dead in the water with the project.
So I got both ball joints off one side, and the Synergy upper and lower back on and straight using a shim. But the other side, holy freakin . . . I can't get it, I've worn myself out. I even ejected the inner shaft hoping that might help, but it's a no go. I have a 1\2 bar about 30 inches long and even with a little cheater extension, I've gone as far as I have the strength to go, I can't make a smidgen of a turn more.
Maybe being under pressure over time will help it budge, but at this point I'm dead in the water with the project.
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Guides @ 2 each, dust cover spins freely, not water tight, got it. I'm flushing the pumkins and replacing the diff fluids after I get the rest of the job completed.
So I got both ball joints off one side, and the Synergy upper and lower back on and straight using a shim. But the other side, holy freakin . . . I can't get it, I've worn myself out. I even ejected the inner shaft hoping that might help, but it's a no go. I have a 1\2 bar about 30 inches long and even with a little cheater extension, I've gone as far as I have the strength to go, I can't make a smidgen of a turn more.
Maybe being under pressure over time will help it budge, but at this point I'm dead in the water with the project.
So I got both ball joints off one side, and the Synergy upper and lower back on and straight using a shim. But the other side, holy freakin . . . I can't get it, I've worn myself out. I even ejected the inner shaft hoping that might help, but it's a no go. I have a 1\2 bar about 30 inches long and even with a little cheater extension, I've gone as far as I have the strength to go, I can't make a smidgen of a turn more.
Maybe being under pressure over time will help it budge, but at this point I'm dead in the water with the project.
Performance Tool W89304 - Ball Joint Tool Adapter Set | O'Reilly Auto Parts
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Thx guys, I just needed the torch and BFH, it's done now.
I have 2 different ball joint sets.
4 pressed out, 3 pressed in . . . I'm running out of gas for the day.
I have 2 different ball joint sets.
4 pressed out, 3 pressed in . . . I'm running out of gas for the day.
Last edited by Unlimited_Fun; 03-30-2016 at 03:06 PM.