What Should I replace on a junkyard front axle?
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Joined: Aug 2015
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Model: Cherokee
What Should I replace on a junkyard front axle?
I just picked up an axle from someone parting one out that rolled. I want to get it cleaned up and replace everything that will likely need it before I put it on. I'm looking for a list of stuff that I should replace as a preventative measure so I don't have to deal with it later.
Also, this axle has some surface rust. I'm in California, so nothing like a rust belt XJ would have, but still I want to clean it up and repaint it. I picked up 2 cans of Rust-oleum rust reformer and 3 of the rust stop protective enamel for after I clean it up. Would that be good enough or should I use something else? And is there anything I should use to help clean up the rust other than my grinder W/ a wire wheel and a wire brush?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm repairing after an accident and feel like I'm in a bit over my head.
Also, this axle has some surface rust. I'm in California, so nothing like a rust belt XJ would have, but still I want to clean it up and repaint it. I picked up 2 cans of Rust-oleum rust reformer and 3 of the rust stop protective enamel for after I clean it up. Would that be good enough or should I use something else? And is there anything I should use to help clean up the rust other than my grinder W/ a wire wheel and a wire brush?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm repairing after an accident and feel like I'm in a bit over my head.
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,142
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From: Grand Prairie, Texas
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO I6
Grinder with a wire wheel will work fine, and that paint you picked should be fine too. It's an axle, it's not going to stay looking new for long anyways.
Do you have any idea how many miles were on that axle? If it were me, while I had the axle out I would replace everything from the inner C's out - so that's ball joints, unit bearings, brake pads, at the least get the rotors spec'd to see if they need replacement, axle shaft ujoints. I might go ahead and replace the inner axle seals, but would definitely at minimum pop the diff cover, drain the fluid and see how the gears look and whether there is any metal in the fluid.
Do you have any idea how many miles were on that axle? If it were me, while I had the axle out I would replace everything from the inner C's out - so that's ball joints, unit bearings, brake pads, at the least get the rotors spec'd to see if they need replacement, axle shaft ujoints. I might go ahead and replace the inner axle seals, but would definitely at minimum pop the diff cover, drain the fluid and see how the gears look and whether there is any metal in the fluid.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,127
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From: Capac, Mi
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
as far as replacing things on a JY axle do the following
Axle seals
Brakes(pads,rotors, calipers
Unit bearings
Ball joints
Steering components(if not using good parts from current axle)
Change diff fluid and check the bearings
as far as cleaning it up a wire wheel on a grinder will work fine, or get a wire cup.
Axle seals
Brakes(pads,rotors, calipers
Unit bearings
Ball joints
Steering components(if not using good parts from current axle)
Change diff fluid and check the bearings
as far as cleaning it up a wire wheel on a grinder will work fine, or get a wire cup.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2015
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Model: Cherokee
The axle had about 140,000 miles on it before it was rolled. I Think I'll just put the brakes already on my car onto the new axle with new pads and check the rotors. As for the rest, I figure it's probably easiest to just do it now and be done with it. thank you for the advice. Now I have to learn how to do all that. lol
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