Front axle question

[Hendo2.5]

After about an hour with a chisel I was able to get my spindle off and am trying to remove the axel. Can the u joint fit through the knuckle or do I have to disassemble it? Seems like it won't fit through. Thanks

[fulsizjeep]

After about an hour with a chisel I was able to get my spindle off and am trying to remove the axel. Can the u joint fit through the knuckle or do I have to disassemble it? Seems like it won't fit through. Thanks

The axle will pass through once the spindle is removed. The rubber seals inside will likely need replaced.

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk

[Hendo2.5]

is it a tight fit? it's not coming through easily. they yokes are very rusty which could be the problem

[Hendo2.5]

strangely the other side pulled right out

[tedlovesjeeps71]

If there is excessive rust or mud built up on the axle joint it must be cleaned off some. Same with any built up around the inner part of the knuckle though the shoulder on the spindle should have taken that with it.
FWIW, Spindles are often difficult to remove but one must be careful not to damage them or the knuckle in the process. Inspect and clean up any burs left by the chisel. A lil smear of anti-sieze on the knuckle will make removal much easier next time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hendo2.5]

Thanks I will clean it up with a wire wheel and see if it pulls out

[tedlovesjeeps71]

Good luck.

[Hendo2.5]

looks like the problem isn't rust but rather that the u joint is sticking out on 2 sides rather than sitting flush with the yoke. its not going to pull through. the bushings on the ball joints look pretty worn so maybe I should just pull the knuckle off. Is that difficult? I have decent DIY tools but I'm not in a shop.

[REDONE]

I'm not sure the knuckle will drop with the axle shaft in place. It needs to drop down enough for the posts on the ball joints to clear and I think it will hit the yokes on the axle shafts before it does.

Try using a ball joint press OR a big c-clamp to smash those u-joint caps back in (or all the way off).

EDITED because auto-correct on my phone is @#%#$^T^E%UT*^R&*%^#$%^@#$%.

[tedlovesjeeps71]

looks like the problem isn't rust but rather that the u joint is sticking out on 2 sides rather than sitting flush with the yoke. its not going to pull through. the bushings on the ball joints look pretty worn so maybe I should just pull the knuckle off. Is that difficult? I have decent DIY tools but I'm not in a shop.

Throw up a pic or two. Easier for us to offer help if we can see what ya got.
If the u-joint caps have pushed out something is wonky. You obviously will need to replace them but what caused it? You could try a big C clamp to push them back in enough to get the axle out.
You probably won't be able to get the knuckle off with the axle IU N the way. It probably won't clear the upper ball joint.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hendo2.5]

Here are pics of the flush vs protruding u joint

[Hendo2.5]

This is the furthest it slides out

[SJTD]

Did you try seating the ujoint caps?

I wonder if the last guy got a needle out of place so the caps wouldn't seat alla way.

[tedlovesjeeps71]

Smak em back in with a hammer and it should come out. They wouldn't have gotten it in with them out like that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hendo2.5]

I did give it a few whacks with a Mallet but no luck. maybe I just need to take them apart? I've never replaced the u joints with the clip on the inside of the cap- looks like a pita.

[SJTD]

I was wondering if someone put the axle in before the knuckle. Dunno if there would be room.

[Hendo2.5]

Thats what i was wondering. At this point i just want to get it apart. I figure the u joint isint in there properly so i may as well pull it apart. I wanted to clean up the yokes and ball joints anyway.

[SJTD]

I think it'll take more than a mallet.

U-joint is scrap at this point. Try a real hammer rather than a soft mallet.

Worst case, grind the end off one or both caps. I'd do this rather than trying to pull the knuckle, which may not work anyway, unless you plan to pull it.

On second thought this might not be wise. Since you use the cross to press the shells out It'll make getting the bearing shell out of the shaft a problem unless you only grind one side.

[Hendo2.5]

I'm not sure if i can fit my grinder in there without damaging the yokes. My thought was to grind off the high side of each yoke and pull the axle out. then it should press off if i use the remaining sides of the joint.