Axle Overhaul Advice

> 1. From my FSM (pub no 36262E) page FA-23
> Adjusting of steering knuckle alignment and bearing preload:
> FSM says to use a spring tension gauge (fish scale) to measure the
> preload. NP on the hub because you hook the scale to the axle hub.

Yeah.

> The SST for the knuckle bearing preload is a contraption that
> connects the bearings. How did you decide which shims to use to
> maintain the correct bearing preload without the SST?

Keep the shims you have, in the same order, same position top and bottom,
left and right. The shims adjust the alignment of the knuckle on the ball
at the end of the axle tube. That alignment doesn't change when you replace
bearings. Only needed when you change knuckles.

Here's a way for recreating the SST, if you so desire:

> 2. FSM page FA-24
> Adjust Steering Knuckle Alignment:
> Same basic question. How to decide which shim to use without sst?

Keep it constant.

> 3. Do you think I can do the knuckle without removing the Tie Rod from
> the knuckle arm? Only problem I can see is measuring the bearing
> preload. Is that a skipable step? Now that I think of it I guess I could
> get a loaner tie rod remover, or buy one.

Just pop the steering arm off the top of the knuckle and move it out of the
way. If you separate the tie rod from the arm, you risk having to replace
the tie rod end. You have to remove the steering arm anyway. You really
can't adjust knuckle bearing pre-load anyway. Just use the same shims and
tighten the snot out of the steering arm and bottom bearing cap
nuts. Testing pre-load is more important for the wheel bearings, where it
is more easily adjustable, and where it matters more.

> This is becoming an expensive project with all of the tools I am
> buying. No big deal, I can use it on my next 20 or so cruisers ;) TIA as
> always.

Yeah, these tools will be useful again later, and you will be doing more
knuckle jobs if you go through 20 cruisers. :) I just did this job on my 80
along with new rotors and pads two months ago, and I've helped several
friends do knuckle jobs. Plus knowing how it all goes together is
invaluable in case you ever break a birfield or a pinion on the trail. Once
you do it you'll see it's not a very difficult job, just takes a while and
is messy. Then look at the shop estimation rates for the job! You save a
huge amount of money by doing it yourself.

When I wrote that axle overhaul page, I was a complete newbie. (And it
shows.) Now that I've done it a few more times and understand what's going
on better it's a lot easier.

Hope this helps. I think I'll add it to the page.

Morgan

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