Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Front Axle Lube Front Axle Lube
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Dec 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
Front Axle Lube
This weekend I tackled the front axle of my Hilux 4x4 (beam axle). The case was filled with an acrid smelling, streky grey oil, which appears to have been contaminated with the dark grey grease in the CV joints and hubs. My question is, should the front axle oil be clear and golden? If it has become contaminated, should I worry about flushing out the axle housing? Or should I just fill with all-new axle oil?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Dan

[This message has been edited by danielsprague (edited 13 December 2005).]

[This message has been edited by danielsprague (edited 13 December 2005).]
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire, UK
Posts: 324
Hi,

Assuming your axle is the similar to the one on the 80 series, it sounds like the inner axle seal has gone causing the CV grease to leak into the axle.

Generally this isn't the end of the world, but you might want to put a batch of cheap diff oil into the axle for a few hundred miles to flush it out a bit. Makde sure the diff is nice and warm when you first drain it and leave it draining for a while to get most of the oil/grease out.

Of greater concern is that the diff oil might be going the other way and flushing the grease away from the CV joint, which is a problem (often identified by oily leaks from the seals on the steering knuckle). If this is the case then well worth stripping down the ends of the axle to replace the inner axle seal and repack the CV joint - might as well also clean off and repack the wheel bearings.

Common causes of the seal going are things like blocked axle breathers, over filling of the axle with diff oil and also worn CV joints causing excessive movement with the half shafts.

Personally I would strip the knuckles down to see what condition the CV joints are in before changing the diff oil.


------------------
Cheers,

Julian
Euro Landcruiser Owners Club
http://www.landcruisers.info/lists/
__________________
Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Dec 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
Hi Julian

I've stripped the front axle right down, got both stub-axles out and taken the swivel-housings off. The breather was fine, so I'm not sure why the oil seems to have been forced into the CV joints. I reckon it may have been overfilled.. The CV joints look fine - they're pretty meaty - and the bearings seem to be fine, though of course it's difficult to tell with these things. There are no other major signs of wear on the front axle, the splines on the ends of the half-shafts (going into the diff) look fine. Also, as it has free-wheeling hubs, I think the vehicle has spent most of its life in 2 wheel drive.

I've found diff oil quite expensive (£5.99 for 1 litre of 80W/90 at Halfords - any suggestions of a cheaper place?) so I may just bung a whole new load in.

What grease would you advise to use on the CV joints? I don't no whether to go for standard CL grease, or to use the molybdenum grease I've put in the propshafts?

Thanks for your help.

Dan
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire, UK
Posts: 324
Quote:
Originally posted by danielsprague:
I've found diff oil quite expensive (£5.99 for 1 litre of 80W/90 at Halfords - any suggestions of a cheaper place?) so I may just bung a whole new load in.
Halfords tends to be pretty cheap, although it might be worth trying your local motor factors - they may well sell it in bulk at a cheaper rate, but I do find the little 1litre containers handy for filling the diff some times.

Quote:
<font face="" size="2">What grease would you advise to use on the CV joints? I don't no whether to go for standard CL grease, or to use the molybdenum grease I've put in the propshafts?</font>
You should use a Molybendum based grease for the CV joints and a Lithium based grease for the Wheel bearings. Most Halfords and Motor Factors tend to just sell a general purpose grease or basic versions of the Moly/Lithium based grease which satisfy most people.

Personally I prefer to use decent quality grease, particularly on overlanding vehicles that I work on so use Mobil Grease Special for the CV joints and Mobil Grease XHP 222 for the wheel bearings - they are higher specced grease that should last longer in the harsher conditions. If you want to go for something a bit special you do have to hunt around for it.

If you are interested in the Mobil stuff I can put you in touch with the suppliers I used near Stroud, Gloucestershire. I buy it in 12.5kg drums but they can also supply in smaller quantities.



------------------
Cheers,

Julian
Euro Landcruiser Owners Club
http://www.landcruisers.info/lists/
__________________
Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:31.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top