Axle boot replacement/maintenance

[Bala]

took out both the axles. Wheel side boots were torn and grease was black dirt. Dipped both end in kerosene and cleaned everything to a shiny new metal. Many of the articles/posts talk about cleaning up the grease but none on total wash out. Am I doing a overkill?

Also on the tranny side I was able to take out the ball bearings during the cleaning process. It didn't just fall out but while some wiggling of the inner piece I was able to remove them. I cleaned out and put them back - needs a trick here. Should I replace the CV inner joint or am I good to go ahead repack with grease?

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by Bala

took out both the axles. Wheel side boots were torn and grease was black dirt. Dipped both end in kerosene and cleaned everything to a shiny new metal. Many of the articles/posts talk about cleaning up the grease but none on total wash out. Am I doing a overkill?

Also on the tranny side I was able to take out the ball bearings during the cleaning process. It didn't just fall out but while some wiggling of the inner piece I was able to remove them. I cleaned out and put them back - needs a trick here. Should I replace the CV inner joint or am I good to go ahead repack with grease?

Bala,

The only way to properly inspect the bearing races (where the balls ride) for wear and scoring, is to completely disassemble the bearing.

It's like a small puzzle but IMHO this is the proper way to do it, once you clean and re-assemble the bearing, pack it up with grease and you should be good to go.

.

[Bala]

Figured out the puzzle. They did not fall out like wayne mentioned in the 101 book. I took them apart, thoroughly cleaned them with kerosene, put them back together and they are not dropping out. Checked the insides and no grooves or anything to suggest wear. Waiting for the boots and grease to arrive. Am good to go. Thanks for the support guys! Can't do these without the support here.


BTW, the Advance Auto Parts engine degreaser is just dyed kerosene in a spray can. Save the money and buy a gallon of kerosene from HD or Ace.

[Gilles]

[QUOTE=Bala;279809] BTW, the Advance Auto Parts engine degreaser is just dyed kerosene in a spray can. Save the money and buy a gallon of kerosene from HD or Ace.
QUOTE

Bala, I have never used kerosene but diesel fuel works great for me

PS, ensure that the lock rings are seated properly..

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[Bala]

[QUOTE=Gilles;279811]

Originally Posted by Bala

BTW, the Advance Auto Parts engine degreaser is just dyed kerosene in a spray can. Save the money and buy a gallon of kerosene from HD or Ace.
QUOTE

Bala, I have never used kerosene but diesel fuel works great for me

PS, ensure that the lock rings are seated properly..

Maybe it's diesel since it's pink in color. Anyway both work fine. Waiting on the parts so I can put new lock clips and grease them up. Thanks.