The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

Tractionman · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:58 Post subject: LJ78 front axle

Hi all, there is a lot of grease oozing from the large ball joint at the end of the front axle and the back of the nearside hub. My local mechanic, who is very good, tells me the axle needs replacing, and the bill with a new one from Toyota, and his labour could top a grand!!! Anyone out there got other ideas or where to source a cheaper axle than Toyota?
Apart from this the cruiser is a great multitasker, and normal running costs aside, has cost me nothing in the three years i have owned it since import.

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joinerman · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 16:34 Post subject:

Sound like you just need to replace the oil seals on the birfields, not a huge job & not that expensive, you certanly won't need a new axle, a new mechanic perhaps!!!!!!!

Joinerman

Tractionman · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 17:58 Post subject: LJ78 front axle

[quote="joinerman"]Sound like you just need to replace the oil seals on the birfields, not a huge job & not that expensive, you certanly won't need a new axle, a new mechanic perhaps!!!!!!!

Joinerman[/quote] Thanks Joinerman, mechanic has been good so far, but obviously not that good with this job! as my knowledge of cruisers is limited could you please explain what birfields are? and would replacement oil sealsdo it?as there is LOTS of grease leaking! I think the mechanics assumption is wear as this is a 1992 model. l

andy · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 20:25 Post subject:

Just a couple of sites that cover the birfield joints, do a google search if you need more.

http://www.safari4x4.com.au/80scool/tech/birfield_repack/repack.html

http://george4wd.taskled.com/birfield.html
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DaveN · ******* Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 1190 Location: Sweden

Ha, just don't take it to the same mechanic if you get a sump gasket leak - he'll have you buying a new engine.

Tractionman · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:28 Post subject:

[quote="andy"]Just a couple of sites that cover the birfield joints, do a google search if you need more.

http://www.safari4x4.com.au/80scool/tech/birfield_repack/repack.html

h
ttp://george4wd.taskled.com/birfield.html[/quote]

Got your pics Andy, thanks-very easy to follow, but the cruiser/s shown look like vx models, where on my lj the big knuckle/ball joint is part of the front axle which the hub swivels on-a bit like early land rovers if i remember, or am I completely wrong? Any help much appreciated guys.

Tractionman · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:38 Post subject:

[quote="DaveN"]Ha, just don't take it to the same mechanic if you get a sump gasket leak - he'll have you buying a new engine.[/quote]

Nice one DaveN, just the constructive help I need with this job, will bear it in mind

DaveN · ******* Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 1190 Location: Sweden

The axle layout is the same for them all. Just like the land rover ones.

smudge · ** Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 106 Location: North Wales

Land Rover ones were filled with Gear oil when new. But leaked badly once chrome wore off axle spheres, so ended up with grease in! Only solution to CORRECTLY solve problem was to replace whole axle.This is probably why your mechanic is getting confused.
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Tractionman · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 18:38 Post subject: LJ78 front axle

Thanks all you guys for answers/suggestions. Now been given another name for repairs and armed with all your imformation I can see if he is up to the job first!!