Three Aussie Mechanics cannot repair the axle seals- Unable to remove C clips in rear 8.8 Diff

[gmanpaint]

It's not a problem for us, but can be a problem for you, with misinformation given due to a misunderstanding. No need to be embarrassed, that was not my intention. Sorry if that came across that way. I remember when I first joined here. I made a ton of errors, and if I look at them today, I get embarrassed at myself. lol I just wasn't familiar with the forum yet, and I had a lot to learn. I still do!

I find that Pictures say a thousand words, and translates in any language. They will help everybody, in helping you. If you can, take a picture, and add it to your posts along with your question. Your elite membership gives you certain privileges here, that non-elite members do not have. We are thankful for your elite status, and want to help you, but as said, we can only do so much.

Learning your way around this forum, using the search feature, and finding the information you seek does take time, and practice. You will get the hang of it, the more your here, and the easier it will become. The older generations of Explorers have so much repair information already shared, it's hard to find something not already covered by members here. I'm not saying do not post up any more, just saying that there is a very good chance that the information you seek, is already here. Make sense?

 

[Scotsman01]

In my case ignorance is a problem, I have purchased a new Axle as there is some doubt as to the original axle being serviceable. When I unpacked it I realised it did not include the wheel lugs. YouTube, my second saviour, next to you guys, showed me I can remove the original lugs but it is a tricky one and the different videos have shown me different ways. Again there's a special tool, from America, but I removed one with no damage, so here's hoping the rest can be removed and installation will have no problems.

To clarify some thoughts on this car, I am a 4WD enthusiast but two divorces and now retired leave me little spare cash, so I picked this up for AU$1000, knowing it would require work to get it roadworthy. Took 6 months to save sufficient funds to bring it up to be licensed, part of the licence check revealed a leaky oil seal by the mechanic. He started on the diff work but threw his hands up when he couldn't get the pin out and walked out on the job.
This left me with an open diff in my carport and no other mechanic would touch it under AU$1500

Now, thanks to all of you, I am only waiting for the installer tool and the specific oil to come and I have the knowledge to restore my diff system and be back on the road.

It's not a problem for us, but can be a problem for you, with misinformation given due to a misunderstanding. No need to be embarrassed, that was not my intention. Sorry if that came across that way. I remember when I first joined here. I made a ton of errors, and if I look at them today, I get embarrassed at myself. lol I just wasn't familiar with the forum yet, and I had a lot to learn. I still do!

I find that Pictures say a thousand words, and translates in any language. They will help everybody, in helping you. If you can, take a picture, and add it to your posts along with your question. Your elite membership gives you certain privileges here, that non-elite members do not have. We are thankful for your elite status, and want to help you, but as said, we can only do so much.

Learning your way around this forum, using the search feature, and finding the information you seek does take time, and practice. You will get the hang of it, the more your here, and the easier it will become. The older generations of Explorers have so much repair information already shared, it's hard to find something not already covered by members here. I'm not saying do not post up any more, just saying that there is a very good chance that the information you seek, is already here. Make sense?

As a moderator and staff member, I appreciate that you were trying to be diplomatic, but you did embarrass me and your second comments were indulgent to say the least.
I was a WOFF in the Australian Airforce and served for 30 years but have little knowledge of motor mechanics. Two divorces are nothing to be proud about , but I did receive 3 commendations in my career,.
If there was something I was doing wrong within terms and rules of the forum please clarify. If any complaints have been logged about me or my postings please enlighten me and I will address my apology to the member directly.
I apologise in advance if this reply appears aggressive or is not allowed in this forum, especially as all the members who have assisted me made me appreciate the value of their knowledge and help

 

[Scotsman01]

I don't know why but sockets especially a 3/4" drive are extremely expensive, where a bearing installation kit is actually cheaper. There is a general view from members that the air vent is important, so as said elsewhere I will have a real examination and see if I can locate a suitable hose.

Sorry about th double post, finger trouble

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’m not sure if you’re supposed to reuse lugs. I’d the little splines on them aren’t sharp, and bite the lug can slip in the bore, and it’s a real pain to get a slipping lug nut off.

Most people install lugs with a nut and washers, not the tool.

 

[1991 sploder]

Hate to add insult to injury but Mr Brooks is right it's kind of a risk using the old ones, other members have had stripped those out and it is a common issue. Hard to get off too.

 

[1991 sploder]

Looking at the shipping out there it's insane most companies don't even ship to Australia how much would 5 of those cost you?

 

[1991 sploder]

There about a buck a piece over here plus like 5 dollars shipping so 10$ all together.

 

[donalds]

It would be nice to just send you all the parts
But for shipping

 

[Scotsman01]

It would be nice to just send you all the parts
But for shipping

Looked at one item cost US$4 AU$ 6 postage US$ 38.So for me it's local or wreckers

 

[Scotsman01]

There about a buck a piece over here plus like 5 dollars shipping so 10$ all together.

Haven't located or priced them locally, will try to use the old ones first, will be careful to follow advice.

 

[Scotsman01]

Hate to add insult to injury but Mr Brooks is right it's kind of a risk using the old ones, other members have had stripped those out and it is a common issue. Hard to get off too.

View attachment 325452

Will try first

 

[Scotsman01]

I’m not sure if you’re supposed to reuse lugs. I’d the little splines on them aren’t sharp, and bite the lug can slip in the bore, and it’s a real pain to get a slipping lug nut off.

Most people install lugs with a nut and washers, not the tool.

Nuts and washers it is!

 

[Scotsman01]

It would be nice to just send you all the parts
But for shipping

At the beginning I should have made list of tools and parts and paid for one consignment. But all the help has been invaluable.

 

[Scotsman01]

There about a buck a piece over here plus like 5 dollars shipping so 10$ all together.

Having difficulty locating them here. Postage costs are the killer from US. Can you confirm unit cost and if done privately the postage costs based on weight to Surfers Paradise Australia. Company quotes for postage are a rip off.

 

[Scotsman01]

Hate to add insult to injury but Mr Brooks is right it's kind of a risk using the old ones, other members have had stripped those out and it is a common issue. Hard to get off too.

View attachment 325452

I realise it is a risk, but from I can understand the major concern is them fitting correctly into the hole thread. This is not my problem as they are going into a new axle. They have been soaking in WD40 for three days and the first trial took two light taps with my sledge and it was out. As the Axle is out there is no rear restriction. I can only try and every one I don't damage is one I don't have to buy.

 

[Mbrooks420]

They are just lugs. There’s a car over there that uses a compatible lug. There’s nothing special or “American” about them.

 

[Scotsman01]

They are just lugs. There’s a car over there that uses a compatible lug. There’s nothing special or “American” about them.

Good comment, can you give me the brand and model. Ford explorer gets no reaction

 

[CDW6212R]

Here's what a wheel stud installer tool looks like, from Amazon, $20. I bought it to install new axles, which most come with the studs separate. The tool has a bearing inside to allow the installing nut to spin freely, the stud pulls in very easily with it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ETUD22/?tag=serious-20



Here's what I find on Amazon for new wheels studs, they are 1/2"-20 x 1-31/32" Dorman-610-368-Wheel-Stud

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CISZL6/?tag=serious-20

 

[Scotsman01]

Here's what a wheel stud installer tool looks like, from Amazon, $20. I bought it to install new axles, which most come with the studs separate. The tool has a bearing inside to allow the installing nut to spin freely, the stud pulls in very easily with it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ETUD22/?tag=serious-20



Here's what I find on Amazon for new wheels studs, they are 1/2"-20 x 1-31/32" Dorman-610-368-Wheel-Stud

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CISZL6/?tag=serious-20

Thanks so much for the info, good fallback if I have problems tomorrow, getting them out and re installing them. 4Jan only delays the completion again. Ignorance again, I thought the axle purchase included the lugs, boy am I learning not to assume anything.

 

[CDW6212R]

I didn't know either how new axles would come. I bought a pair from a lesser brand(just for replacements), and those had the wheel studs and new bearings/seals. Later I wanted better axles for my better truck for long term. Those more expensive axles came without anything else, no studs.

The reuse of studs is iffy because of the old stud's knurled shank, those gripping spline things. If those don't get a strong bite into the next axle they go into, they may spin when a lugnut is tightened or loosened. If you think they will bite hard into the new axle, they may do fine to use again.