Pulling front axle shaft advice?

[DiverDarrell]

So I have been staring at a set of high speed gears in my garage for too long now. And since it's rainy season in WA the wife no longer wants to work out side as much. So I'm looking to build a tent and get this gear swap done. The rear looks easy. Pull hub caps, insert bolt into shaft and pull the shaft. But the front.... any advice from those who have pulled the front shafts? Hints tips and advice welcome. Will be going by the TM instructions.

 

[tburk49760]

Where to start... pretty straight forward actually. It comes apart in order, not much chance to deviate. My biggest fear was that the reduction hubs may not go back exactly as they were. Thinking that the wheel bearing preload would affect the gear preload. Didn't seem to be a problem. One of my wheel bearings even needed tightening. The parts are all very heavy. The worst being the actual center section, chunk or whatever you call it. Really difficult to get in and aligned whilst not wiping the silicone off the mating surface.

 

[DiverDarrell]

I have already had to replace the ctis seals in one front hub. Was easier than I expected overall. Yes all the parts were heavy. So can I pull the axle out from the hub enough to clear the center section?

 

[tburk49760]

As I recall no. You must pull the spindle, brake and backing plate and the drum.

 

[DiverDarrell]

Thank you for the info, was exactly what I was looking for. Looks like I will have to find a longer weather window. At least I won't have to split the knuckles. The front end looks like it may take a day or two on its own now. I hope to take lots of photos of it all and will do a write up. Still may be a few weeks out.

 

[tburk49760]

A friend and I did both ends in about 8 hours.