We have a few days off the get some work done on the new Brat, so decided to attack replacing the front drive axles and shaft. The boots were badly torn when we bought it (and the previous owner lived on a gravel road) so we decided to replace the whole shafts instead of just the boots.

 

OKAY, so this is nothing like my old VW! Major project, but at least it's a good opportunity to check everything out under there, check the brakes, grease the bearings, etc. and clean up the grease and dirt caked on. Ran into a snag, though. Couldn't get the tie rod end out-- we have 3 or 4 different pullers, but none of them quite right, so we will go looking for the right kind of puller tomorrow.

 

Question-- on the DOJ end of the axle, we got the roller pins out fine, but are wondering if they can be reused if they are in good shape, or if they should be replaced?

 

Also see ball joint boot was torn on one side, so we'll probably be replacing those.... Hopefully, not too much more will crawl out of our can of worms. On the positive side, I'm amazed that there is NO rust underneath on this 30 year old vehicle.

 

Tomorrow: try to figure out if we have a bad relay in the air conditioner wiring; adjust valves/new valve cover gaskets; new fuel filters; drain radiator; fix anything else that turns up needing repair....

 

One more Question: Anyone know where you can get a replacement for the white plastic radiator plug?

 

Okay, while I'm at it: Left front turn signal lens-- don't know where else to look for one of these! They are not to be found-- maybe in some junkyard somewhere, someday.... I can dream...

Checker has 'em for $5.99. Or, I have an extra.

 

Left front turn signal lens

 

I've got one. PM me if you're interested.

It's an '82 model year specific part, which i'm sure you've realized.

 

Sounds like you're on the right track with your Brat.

 

I've been known to reuse good roll pins. As long as they aren't bunged up.

 

Also, check this out: EdRach's EA series axle replacement

 

Cheers,

Check the "HELP" racks at various parts stores for that radiator plug. Need to check different stores, as they carry different items on those racks.

 

Believe I have one if you can't find one.

 

 

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=99047

 

Check with him about the turnsignal lens.

Edited September 6, 200916 yr by TomRhere

Well, crap, sorry-- I MEANT to say a RIGHT front turn signal lens-- thanks, anyway (got excited there for a minute!).

 

I didn't even ask at Checker or Napa for the radiator plug. They didn't have the choke pull-off I wanted or a couple of other misc. items, so I didn't bother to ask about the radiator plug. I'll check tomorrow when I return the tie rod puller we borrowed from them.

 

Now we just have to get the steering knuckle pressed off, and we're a little closer to getting it done. Tomorrow morning I get to crouch on the garage floor with a wire brush, scraper, and some parts cleaning

(woops) fluid cleaning up the underside of the front end. I always get the fun jobs-- my husband gets the more skilled tasks.

 

Got the valves adjusted (all loose). One more thing off my to-do list.

 

Thanks for the parts offers! If anyone hears of a RIGHT turn signal lens, I'd LOVE to know, thanks. Also need the chrome strip for the tailgate edge...

 

Thanks, everyone.

There is no need to press the axle in/out of the knuckle. Just pound it out with a soft face hammer or a small sledge and block of wood.

 

GD

Edited September 7, 200916 yr by GeneralDisorder

Well, that's a good idea, though we were thinking of taking out the bearings, cleaning, and repacking them.... It's hard when you don't know much history on a vehicle. Unless it is obvious that work has been done (like on the brakes) we are assuming that almost everything needs checking, greasing, or repair!

though we were thinking of taking out the bearings, cleaning, and repacking them....

 

You can't - they are a interferenace fit to the knuckle and removing them will neccesarily damage them. They are 6207-C3 bearings and any bearing house can get you new one's for $10 each. You will need the seals also as those too will be destroyed durring removal. I sugest you get the 6207-2RS-C3 bearings (sealed and pre-greased) and avoid the potential for contamination of the grease later and improper grease loading. Get yourself 4 bearings and 4 seals. Drive the bearings out with a brass drift and drift the new one's in. Don't forget the spacer that goes between them and apply a little grease to the outside of the seals on the new bearings and to the spacer and the inner lip of the seals.

 

GD

Thanks, that's a BIG help, exactly what we need to know. We have the "Keeping your Subaru Alive" book and the Haynes, but, still, it doesn't always have the answers.

 

Considering the work pulling the front end apart I think we will get the sealed bearings (and new ball joints), so we shouldn't have to worry about those for a few years, with any luck.