SWIVEL BALL questions?? D-1 Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

DiscoWeb Bulletin Board » Message Archives » 2004 Archives - Discovery Technical » Archive through February 10, 2004 » SWIVEL BALL questions?? D-1 « Previous Next »

Author Message
 

Phil (Discoanywhere)
Member
Username: Discoanywhere

Post Number: 110
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 11:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

95 Disco... I've been trying to find some post with information on the swivel balls and how to make sure they are in good shape... I took a close look at them yesterday and the balls looked a little marked up..there seems to be some gummy spots and the ball doesn't look shiny and new like it use to after a few good turns?? The seal does not seem to be leaking and I have not noticed any problems with steering.. I'm just concerned as I've heard a few folks damaging them on water crossings!!! and I've been dorr handle deep a few times this summer alone. info on keeping my balls in good shape would greatly be appreciated..I definately don't want to have problems with my balls in the future..
 

Phil (Discoanywhere)
Member
Username: Discoanywhere

Post Number: 116
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 06:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

heres a pic...
Swivel Ball (D-1)
 

Adam Ross (Discodriveradam)
Member
Username: Discodriveradam

Post Number: 175
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 06:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Phil, I have no idea how to diagnose that, but comparing my swivel balls to yours, I would say that you need to check that out ASAP! I have a 98 DI, and mine are still very shiny.
 

Phil (Discoanywhere)
Member
Username: Discoanywhere

Post Number: 117
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 09:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

yeah i know my other one is spotless. I'm freakin out as I drive my truck about 100k a day, I'm not exactly sure if these things are chromed? If they are (like i think) then the chrome does not seemed to be chipped..more like a bad, or no lubrication in there! and obviously the seal would be gone with spots like that on the ball..right? I really want to get this thing apart and fixed but I'm lost on these?? I'm hoping I can disasemble both clean them up (polish) re-grease and add new seals with out any troble...I'm praying those old bolts don't snap! Once again any help greatly appreciated...
 

Geoff 93 RRC (Geoff)
Member
Username: Geoff

Post Number: 224
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 09:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Looks to me that the seals are worn out and the grease has not gotten wiped clean for some time. The pattern has gone on long enough that brake dust has mixed with the grease and made a sticky paste.

If you have dunked your axles in water the grease is likely ruined - not good for your cv's. I would fill them with gear oil to the level hole, drive to work and back, then replace the seals. The oil will act as a solvent for the grease and allow you to "rinse" the hubs out when you release the seal.

The easy but heavy way to change the seal is to pull off the whole hub. You'll need a long 12 pt 14 mm wrench and some gloves to break the swivel flange bolts.
 

Adam Ross (Discodriveradam)
Member
Username: Discodriveradam

Post Number: 176
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 09:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Phil, you have a 95, right? Well, if you have never changed out the lubricant, then you probably have gear oil in there, and not grease as Geoff suggests. LR didn't make the switch to the "one-time" grease application until later models. Therefore, you can drain the gear oil out, check for contamination, and then refill with fresh stuff. And on a 95, no disassembly is needed for a change: just undo the drain plug and the fill plug (for ease of drainage, just like a gas can), replace the drain plug, take out the level plug, fill to the level hole, replace plugs and you're done. Nevertheless, that still needs to be checked out.

P.S. Turn the wheel to lock away from the corresponding side of the axle(to the left if it is the driver's side, and vice versa) for easy access.

Good luck!
 

Bill Bettridge (Billb)
Dweb Lounge Member
Username: Billb

Post Number: 1441
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 09:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

If the colors in that pic are correct- then you are beyond a simple refill!

Looks like rust to me - coming from inside the swivel - waters been in there quite some time I guess.

Start at one side and tear it down completely from the outside-in. Get a swivel seal kit from RC/RN/AB/DAP and a workshop manual and go at it. It is not difficult - just time consuming, especially the first time.

If in fact that is rust and/or badly contaminated oil - you may run into more parts you need as you get in there - wheel bearings, lower swivel bearing, upper swivel pin/bushing, etc.

If it were mine - I'd do it soon though.

Bill
 

Phil (Discoanywhere)
Member
Username: Discoanywhere

Post Number: 118
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 10:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

OK how do I buy you guys a beer! PLENTY THANKS! I had the right idea and just needed the reassurance of my trusty D-Webbers!! I'm gonna drain and fill tonight... Won't have time for a tear down till the weekend but I am so on it now!
I'm gonna get new seals and wheel bearings for sure..

Well I'm so stoked now I'm off to make a donation to DiscoWeb!! I've been on alot of 4xforums had alot of trucks.. But this is the best forum X far and the best truck I've had X far... Peace out and rovers forever!! lol
 

Adam Ross (Discodriveradam)
Member
Username: Discodriveradam

Post Number: 179
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2004 - 01:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hey Phil, no problem. Happy trails!
 

Frode Hübertz Haaland (Discofrode)
Member
Username: Discofrode

Post Number: 149
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2004 - 01:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Take a look here at how the job is done - you will be replacing the ball itself in the process:
http://www.sf.hiof.no/~frodehaa/axle.htm#rebuild swivelhousing
Main entrance: http://home.halden.net/discovery
 

Micky_dee (Micky_dee)
Member
Username: Micky_dee

Post Number: 55
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2004 - 06:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

beer, beer, good old cold cool tasting beer.... humm

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration