[IN2DEEP]

Ok... my axle bearing is dead in my AMC20 again. It's been about five years since I put the last one in, and I was hoping somebody could tell me how to get it to last longer. I "understand" how to set the END PLAY, but I really hate the process. Put it all together, measure, tear it all apart, install shim, reinstall, remeasure....... repeat.

Is that the ONLY way to do it? Is there a way to get around these shims?

 

[OlllllllOCJ]

Man that's no fun. For what it's worth here's what I think.

Nothing beats one-piece axles. Easy to install with only a little bit of measuring and setup and they should last much longer than 5 years. They use a better bearing and eliminate the possibility of spinning a hub. In my case I'm sure that the axles will out last me.

Then there is the $200 to $350 that you have to pay for them when compaired to $50 to $60 for new bearings, seals, dust covers and shims. Guess it's a matter of what you have an excess of, time or money.

 

[IN2DEEP]

I guess I didn't mention that I put one piece axles in 5 years ago. I agree with your post, and that's why I went one piecers...... but this shimming crap is for the birds.

At the time of the install, the one piecers were new to me, and I didn't know what to look for. Since then, everybody seems to have come out with one piece axles.... that don't need shims.

Is there a way I can "convert" mine? Is it just a matter of how long the axles are?

Drew

 

[OlllllllOCJ]

Why did the bearing fail? Contaminated or just worn out?

Most likely there is a way eliminate the shims. I would suggest that you contact the manufacturer. What brand are they?

I went with Superior, for no particular reason, I'm sure that Moser or many of the others would be great also.

 

[IN2DEEP]

I'm guessing contamination. I wouldn't think I put enough miles on my jeep to wear out a wheel bearing. I'm assuming those things should last a life time. I don't see any OBVIOUS signs of contamination, but I'm not really one to shy away from water/mud.

I have NO idea what brand name the axles are. I can't find any markings whatsoever on them. Again, when I bought them, I assumed that one piece axles were all the same. I'm sure I bought them from 4wd Hardware, but no clue as to what brand.

Do y'all think they all use the same bearings? My napa dude pulled the "stock" bearing from the shelf and it wasn't even CLOSE. We are hoping the guy that does the actual press work, will have run into this before, and have a clue what to do. But otherwise, I'm gonna be up a creek.

Thanks again,
Drew

 

[OlllllllOCJ]

Well 4wd.com seems to act like they are the only parts in the world..... well that's just what I think. I do buy lots of stuff there and several other places on the net. Did you buy the 4wd.com low cost axles? They should support them... well maybe they won't and then you are in a place....

Interesting......

In reply to:

I have NO idea what brand name the axles are. {/quote]

But you bought them from 4wd.com?

In reply to:

I'm sure I bought them from 4wd Hardware, but no clue as to what brand.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would likely call them with an attitude.

In reply to:

Do y'all think they all use the same bearings?

[/ QUOTE ]

No, the different people that sell these kits have differnt idea's of how it needs to be done.

Call 4wd.com and get mean make a new deal..... it's not like they didn't get your money.

Hmm have I gone off or not ?

 

[2887]

I went with the warn full float kit. A couple hour install, never looked back.

Shameless plug here, but I would give you a great deal on a Warn kit w/ drive flanges. (narrow track 20)

As for the endplay measurements, that was one of the reasons I shied away from one piece axles... So I can't offer much advice there.

Can't really say hope this helps, their was nothing useful in my post!

 

[171]

When you pull the axels our they should have a number on them to cross reference ...I replaced all the bearings in my transmission matching the numbers, through a bearing outlet.
Do not depend on the guy with the press to know how something should go together...I had to have mine pressed on at Pep Boys and they didn't have a clue.
So either take a digital picture, draw a diagram or know how it goes back together and be there when it is done to tell them how.you will need a new collet to press on aswell so it may save some time if you removed the collet first...

 

[IN2DEEP]

I'm used to seeing the numbers on the bearings, but I can't seem to find ANYTHING on the axles. I called 4wd, hoping they would have records (they know a LOT of what I bought). But the guy could only GUESS that they were Moser axles. I ordered the replacement bearing set, and I'll find out later in the week if they are right.

I've had experience with some of the smaller shops. That's why I went to this NAPA. These guys deal with my brother on a regular basis. He's always into some wierd import/off the wall/home made stuff. So they are used to his questions. Plus, they give pretty personal service. Makes the higher prices a LOT easier to pay.

 

[OlllllllOCJ]

Guess that we really have been no help at all. Sorry!!

A different thing but sorta related.... I bought a small shop press from Harbor Frt. for about $100. It's doesn't have enough stroke to push bearings off of an axle but it's great for putting them on. Also great for pushing studs out of hub/rotor, has been used to press off/on lots of diff bearings and tcase bearings. The setup is a pain but works really smooth for u-joints too. Well worth the money.