9 inch Big Bearing issues

[bronco t]

I pulled my left side axle to find out what was leaking, and (of course) what needed fixing. I found that the bearing retainer plate was mounted with the vent up, and the retainer, backing plate were sealed with RTV. This must have trapped moisture, and gave me a new set of problems.

- Pic 1 shows the gooey mess around the seal (oil and water),
- Pic 2 shows the creative RTV work that I found (how did he do it?),
- Pic 2 & 3 shows the axle pitting where the seal rides,
- Pic 4 shows the rust inside the housing,
- Pic 5 shows the axles marked with a letter "R" (but it is on the Left side?)???,
- Pic 6 shows the bearing wobbles in the bearing cavity, and has about a .007 - .008 gap,
- Pic 7 shows the wear on the 28 spline shaft
- Pic 8 shows the approx OD of the bearing 3.1505~ (my caliper could not span the bearing, and the bearing cavity ID is 3.140~)

So the questions are:
1. Is the pitting on the axle a problem? I rotated the axle and oil sanded it with 500 grit paper. It looks a little better, but slight pitting is visable (nothing I could feel)?

2. Is the letter "R" significant on the left axle (I haven't pulled the right side yet)?

3. How bad is the .007 bearing gap? I am replacing the bearings, but haven't got them yet to compare dimensions.

4. I was told that I have a True Trac, and according to WH on Friday they suggested that most TT have either 31 or 35 splines. SO, what do I have if both wheels spin the same direction when on jack stands? A 28 spline TT? or something else???

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Viperwolf1]

1) Doesn't look bad. If you can't feel it I'd use it.

2) Not significant. Left only fits in left side, right only in right due to length difference.

3) Don't think it's a problem.

4) Probably factory track-lok since it's big bearing and big brake axle.

 

[bronc50]

Left and right axles are not the same length and can not be switched

 

[bronco t]

1) Doesn't look bad. If you can't feel it I'd use it.

2) Not significant. Left only fits in left side, right only in right due to length difference.

3) Don't think it's a problem.

4) Probably factory track-lok since it's big bearing and big brake axle.

3) I would think that loose bearings will bang around in the housing and enlarge the gap. Whereas, tight fitting bearings would be happier bearings?

What... what site am I on?

 

[bronco t]

Left and right axles are not the same length and can not be switched

I knew that the axles were different length, but a letter "R" riled me a bit.

 

[bad 68]

Doesn't look bad to me. I bought a used axle one time from Toms and it was pitted a lot worse than that.
I don't think the bearing gap is a problem the retainer plate should keep the bearing from spinning when tightned down.
Splines don't look new but don't look bad. I've seen much worse.
They do make 28 spline True Tracks. You will know once you pull the other axle and pull the third member.

Lastly if that's the worst rust you've seen on your Bronco you should count your blessings.

 

[DonaldDouchebag]

Probably a TrueTrac. Broncos didn't get 31 spline axles until 1978.

 

[bad 68]

True Tracs arn't stock ether. Most guyst that go to the expense of an aftermarket upgraded traction device up grade to 31 spline axels at the time of carrier selection.

 

[DonaldDouchebag]

True Tracs arn't stock ether. Most guyst that go to the expense of an aftermarket upgraded traction device up grade to 31 spline axels at the time of carrier selection.

I meant to say Trac Lock. Sorry.

 

[broncnaz]

Ditto all looks good to me. well except for the fanccy RTV seal. Most likely the oil seal was leaking and the PO figured RTV would cure it. But as was said if you cant feel grooves in the seal area on the axle shaft then its good if you can feel grooves well then you may have a issue. might be able to install a speedy sleeve to fix the area or try and postion the seal so it rides on a smooth section although that looks like it has already been done so speedy sleeve might be a better option.
X2 on the 28 spline tru trac. If thats the left side axle shaft I'd say its not a trac loc as the left side splines would most likey have a small unworn space between 2 shiny areas. As one contacts the side gear and the other the clutch hub. If the spines looked twisted then I'd be concerned.
bearing gap is somewhat normal while I've never measured the differance I've yet to have a bearing that was a tight fit in the early housings.

 

[Viperwolf1]

3) I would think that loose bearings will bang around in the housing and enlarge the gap. Whereas, tight fitting bearings would be happier bearings?

What... what site am I on?

They have to be somewhat of a loose fit or you wouldn't be able to get them in or out.

 

[bronco t]

the PO said that he had the True Trac installed three years ago.

 

[Viperwolf1]

the PO said that he had the True Trac installed three years ago.

Did he mention the RTV?

 

[bronco t]

Doesn't look bad to me. I bought a used axle one time from Toms and it was pitted a lot worse than that.
I don't think the bearing gap is a problem the retainer plate should keep the bearing from spinning when tightned down.
Splines don't look new but don't look bad. I've seen much worse.
They do make 28 spline True Tracks. You will know once you pull the other axle and pull the third member.

Lastly if that's the worst rust you've seen on your Bronco you should count your blessings.

Rust is my best friend. I love to remove it in my sleep

 

[bronco t]

Did he mention the RTV?

He must have lied to me! damn it!

 

[bronco t]

Those PO's... one of "the" PO's installed the Rear Main Seal backwards, and it was my misfortune to be the one that it let loose on! My nice-clean driveway was blemished on day one of EB ownership! What have I done to myself?

Should I join AA for EB owners? "Hi I am an EB owner, and I need help"

 

[01JLH]

Just something else to check. I had an issue where a new wheel bearing had been installed and the bearing retainer that is pressed on after the bearing was too thick and when the axle was tightened down it was against the seal. This damaged the seal and caused the grease to leak out. Changed the retainer to a thinner one and problem solved. That could be why the RTV work was done where your picture shows.

 

[bad 68]

Could be a True Trac. Just that most guy, not all, would upgrade to 31 at that time.
I have true tracs front and rear. I like em

 

[bronco t]

Just something else to check. I had an issue where a new wheel bearing had been installed and the bearing retainer that is pressed on after the bearing was too thick and when the axle was tightened down it was against the seal. This damaged the seal and caused the grease to leak out. Changed the retainer to a thinner one and problem solved. That could be why the RTV work was done where your picture shows.

Good thought... does anyone have dimensions / specs on the seal & bearing area? This is a Big Bearing Big Bolt axle housing

 

[bronco t]

Could be a True Trac. Just that most guy, not all, would upgrade to 31 at that time.
I have true tracs front and rear. I like em

Exactly... this is waht WH implied when I called them to pre-order the parts... they said you might want to wait to see what you got before you order anything.

BTW... Good guys at WH!