Front Axle Help.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 947
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From: Glen Rose, Texas
The stuff sitting around the axle feels more like a grease. The liquid I find under that point in the moring is an oil feeling, and a small spot. Dont think I would be able to flex the bottom out and see it drip out. Hell I may clean all this grease up on it, and make sure its not that melting in the middle of the night after a drive and leaving the spot.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: Glen Rose, Texas
If I reach back behind at the joint that spins free if 4wd is not engaged, I can move the axle, but very little.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Glen Rose, Texas
Yes. Ive got almost any tool I need until it comes to speciality tools. And I was thinking this kind of due to that shiney part of the axle I can see that the other side doesnt have. Didnt know if that was possible. Whats the best way to try to pry it back in?
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
There is no way to pry it back in. That depth is determined by the outer axle seal that the spindle rides in. If the outer seal is not set to the correct depth in the knuckle (has anyone done this work recently on your truck?), then you might have a problem there. I don't have my X in the driveway right now, as my wife is out joyriding in it. When/if she gets back, I will take a look at that gap on mine.
She had the nerve to tell me to put the 110hp tune back on it because it was more fun....
She had the nerve to tell me to put the 110hp tune back on it because it was more fun....
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: Glen Rose, Texas
In the picture above are you talking about right inside that U. Basically just pushing it back into the truck?
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: Glen Rose, Texas
There is no way to pry it back in. That depth is determined by the outer axle seal that the spindle rides in. If the outer seal is not set to the correct depth in the knuckle (has anyone done this work recently on your truck?), then you might have a problem there. I don't have my X in the driveway right now, as my wife is out joyriding in it. When/if she gets back, I will take a look at that gap on mine.
She had the nerve to tell me to put the 110hp tune back on it because it was more fun....
She had the nerve to tell me to put the 110hp tune back on it because it was more fun....
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
Don't pry it back in! That will cause the outer seal to possibly come loose from the shoulder of the spindle that it sits on. I would pull that axle shaft, since your outer seal is already in two pieces and replace the outer seal. Then you can be 100% sure it is properly seated and at the right depth at the same time. No guess work. I have the tools and the seal driver/depth setter.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
Many guys (and FTE members) are just driving the seal in with improvised tools and PVC setups. It is a crap shoot to do it that way and HOPE you get the seal at the right depth in the knuckle. How long have you owned the truck? Miles when you bought it?
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: Glen Rose, Texas
What Im not getting is, these dust seals you mentioned are not to keep liquid in or out, so my understanding is liquids isnt supposed to be down there. If it doesnt travel though there anywhere, and its not leaking from anything above this joint, the only conclusion I can come to is its the grease from the grease fittings around there getting hot and melting after parked, and thats what all the grease is from.