left spindle concerns

[Denisefwd93]

The spindle is much tighter on the axle then the right side that came apart easily. the U joint is bad binds badly in one direction.

So....I took the left axle and spindle down the basement to clean and paint... spindle didn't want to come off... hmmm finally got brave and gave the back of the flange a few whacks it off it came. way way lots of a grease in there! The bearing seems good but still cleaning grease off. I'm pretty sure the grease was making it the axle turn sluggish and even holding the axle in tight.

Getting tired.. feeling a little bit abandoned by my old friend, may take the axles to the shop at NAPA have them do the spindle bearings and U joints. Taking the day off going to a boat club picnic. Glad I have all month to get this done right.

Question? Most of this front axle stuff only comes into play when in 4wd right? With the new Warn hubs the stuff will not be rotating; unless it's engaged right? I'm pretty sure it was all spinning when driving because of the bad auto hub on the right.

 

[swynx]

with the hubs unlocked the front stuff wont spin.

i have seen old bad grease thats super thick really gunk up my hub assembly's and make stuff tough to turn. clean it up real well and add some new grease.

those spindle bearings are easy, but id recommend getting new seals for them.

when you put the spindle back on smear a light coat of grease on that back side so it wont get stuck together again.

 

[dirtcowboy]

So..... do you pack the spindle with grease before you thread the axle back in?

 

[Denisefwd93]

This old truck is kicking my butt. We got the U-joint out! Was pretty easy actually. Now to find a replacement U-joint.

 

[swynx]

i always rub a generous amount of grease onto the spindle bearings before i throw the spindle on, and the rub some on the back side of the spindle mating surface to the arm.

as for that u-joint everyone will recomend timkin 760x