IcemanG17

http://www.topoftheline.com/optimum-opti-seal.html

I've found this site to be a bit cheaper than anywhere else........

James-man

When you buy rebuilt axles, what are you getting?

Old axles + new bearings + new boots?

Thanks.

Ispeed

All you get is new grease and new boots. The bearings are like $300 each, so the math is right there.

I just rebuilt both of my original axle shafts over at Dave C's, messy but otherwise real basic.
There is a circlip on the tranny end that keeps that bearing on the shaft, and you just press the shaft out of the bearing. You need a press for that.
Then clean, and reassemble in order with new grease. Not bad.
Look in the shop manuals, there are some pics that show how to attack it.

p.s. mine were both in great shape after 115K miles. With new grease and boots they should be good for a long time.

James-man

That stinks. I cleaned, and repacked bearings for a CV joint boot replacement. Just as I was getting ready to squeeze that boot on, plop, plop, plop, out fell several of the *****. I was careful the whole time to keep them in order, but alas, I am apparently inept.

I want a professionally rebuilt axle with new bearings, because I would certainly screw things up.

Bill Ball

It's basic, messy and time-consuming. If you're lucky, you won't need a press. I only needed it on one side. If you take the ***** out, watch how the cage is oriented when you reassemble. It can go in and look right two ways. One is locked. And it's really not obvious how to get the grease well into the joint on the outer side. Sure it's very cheap to do your own rebuild, parts-wise, but if you factor in labor, it's a close call.

ROG100

Bill,
Its a messy job but worth the effort IIMO.
I also swap the axles right to left and vice versa to even up the wear.

If it helps I have the CV rebuilt kits for $13.95 each and you need 4.

whitefox

I did 3 of my boots about a year ago, I only did 3 because the 4th looked rather new, well a couple months ago the 4th split so I did it in about 30 minutes before I left work. They are easy, I did not need a press, just a hammer and some patience.

IcemanG17

I checked my receipt.....2 rebuild kits and a new "axle" for $129 + $40 for the kits......+ a bunch of labor at $115 an hour to put it together..... So the axle should still be good.....

BUT since I'll be doing the work myself & everyone knows I'm a clean freak......spending a few more $$$ to not have to make a HUGE mess sounds pretty good!! I guess INTL will get a really good "core"

Bill Ball

30 minutes!? I'd say it took me at least 3 hours per axle including getting them out of the car, disassembling, cleaning, repacking and reinstalling.

James-man

You guys were lucky not needing a press. My ineptidue is closely matched to my poor luck. Yes, my hammer was useless.

Charley B

Brian, you're welcome to use my 600 ft/lb Torque Wrench if you'd like. It needs to get some use to justify the price. I'll be by to help if I can.

IcemanG17

Charley
That would be SWEET.......I'm tenantively planning Saturday morning-ish.....then bleed my brakes, depending on time....

PM sent

Dwayne

Brian,
Our rear boots also split (one has been for some time and the other just split recently). I need to do the same job you're doing. So I'm very interested in how it goes. I planned on just doing the kits, new boots, gasket, lube + cleaning, of course. Unfortunately, I was planning on doing mine this coming Saturday as well. If I delay, maybe I'll get some good tips from your job...Good luck with it!

IcemanG17

Dwayne
Don't worry....as usual I always take lots of pics!!! I figure if I can help just 1 person fix a 928 themselves, its well worth the effort!! Luckily for me there are some local 928ers willing to help me who have been there and done that!

whitefox

Well I was in a hurry to get it done before the shop I work at closed up, I had done them before too, besides its only one big nut and 6 bolts. A solvent tank really makes cleaning up the joint a breeze, you can pick one up at Harbor Freight for cheap.