rebuilding front axle

[kiwizook]

Hi guys, I started disassembling my front axle to rebuild it. I understand how the correct wheel bearing preload has to be set, but how do I know how to shim the kingpin's? do I start by using no shims anywhere, and go from there, or what is the recommended procedure?

also can I take out the diff to inspect it, and then bolt it back in without having to adjust anything?(after pulling the drive shaft's obviously) I'm fairly sure I can, but just want to be sure

[twiss]

I would start with 1 shim in each kingpin, do it all up and measure the kingpin preload, then remove shims to increase preload, or add more shims to decrease preload...
As for the diff, you can remove it without having to adjust anything... its when you undo the pinion flange nut when you need to re-set up the diff

[kiwizook]

good to know twiss! only thing now is to find some more shims, as I think there are only 3 shims on my axle. what's the easiest way to measure the king pin bearing preload?

[Darrell]

Guess it or use a spring balance.
Or borrow one from someone who's into fishing.
Personally I would put the original shims back in the same places and see how it is.
Chances are nobody ever removed any to tighten up worn bearings.

[kiwizook]

can't remember where exactly they were. as I pulled it apart before, and didn't take any notice then where they were

[dan_2k_uk]

As long as you know how many were on each side just put them back so there's an even ammount of shimming top and bottom. Obviously if its an odd number then put the extra one on the top for the extra 0.10mm axle clearance. Every little helps

[Brrok_lands]

Can I jump in here with another question as I'm in the process of doiong the same thing.
A lot of the joints on the axle are sealed with silicon rather than gaskets, does anyone have a recommendaton for the silicon to use, I can't imagine a tube of bog standard silicon for £2 at my local builders' merchant is of the required quality/ durability?

Cheers
Brook

[BabySuzi]

Liquid gasket?

I've seen it but never used it. Definitely never stripped anything that it's been used on but I can Imagine it would look like silicon sealant when set.

I heard it's easy to use too much and just as easy to use not enough.

[kiwizook]

it's not too bad when you use too much on a diff. it will just get munched up by the gears, do no damage, and is flushed out at the next oil change. more damage can be done when the stuff is used on engines, where it could clog up sensors, pumps etc

[Anton]

I've been told that liquid gasket really is just bog standard silicone sealant under a different name.

Anyone know how true that is?