Change CV's-Both bearings go out- help me solve the mystery?

[Dhowl513]

I've searched for awhile, I haven't found a thread I think addresses this issue, apologies if it has.

Nine weeks ago I replaced my front CV axles, they were worn and the boots had been shot for sometime.

I replaced the CV's with these:
CARQUEST CV Shafts New CV Axle Shaft Assembly NCV69142: Advance Auto Parts

One thing I noticed, when I pulled my old CV's off they did not have dust shields on the outer unit of the CV. When I replaced the CV's (which I have done many times with ease) I noticed a pop on the test drive, parked, inspected-all is well.

I drove it a few times and then while going 60mph one evening the truck began to shake, bad. I limped it home slowly and threw the truck on jack stands- both tires rocked back and forth...bearing where shot. They were original, it has 250,000 miles on them yet they both went at the same time.

I left those dust shields on, my mechanic said he removed them in the past to let the axle seat properly (he was using napa parts).

I'm about to take both spindles to a shop to have the new parts pressed in. However I want to make sure I do this right, why do you think both bearings went out at the exact same time? It had made some aggressive popping sounds following the CV installation. I'm trying not to pay alot of money for new bearings for them to be eaten up again by my CV install.

Taking the whole truck to a shop isn't really an option, the front end is ripped out in my garage, and now tow truck can get to it, I live on a huge hill.

Thank you!

 

[habanero]

What were the axle nuts torqued to?

 

[Dhowl513]

What were the axle nuts torqued to?

150 ft pounds I believe.

 

[12BYotaFan]

150 ft pounds I believe.

Spec is 174ft lb.

Just did both of mine.

 

[Brad_solo]

Spec is 174ft lb.

Just did both of mine.

This is correct. Make sure to torque them to the proper spec next time. Though I'm not surprised they failed with that mileage.

 

[habanero]

A tad too loose then, 174 ft lbs according to the FSM. Don't know if that is your cause, but it is the only thing that the wheel bearings and axle shafts have in common that could potentially effect it that I can think of. Could it simply be a loose axle nut that's allowing the movement?

I'm not a mechanic, just thinking out loud.

 

[Rock_Rat]

Spindle Bearing Failure after Axle Installation

So do me a favor and keep this thread updated. I have a spare set of spindles I'm rebuilding after I install my Total Chaos gussetts.

I just so happen to have them laid out on my bench after I've pressed everything out. I also have my original OEM axles that I just replaced. I took a picture for you to help you think out loud about your scenario.

As you can see the main axle bearing is pressed into the spindle against a lip. Once installed there's a big C clip that fits in a groove on the hub side of the spindle. In the photo, the clip is leaning against the ABS ring.

The hub is pressed into the main bearing and the only thing keeping the hub in place is the axle and the nut. As you know, all it takes is one good whack with the hammer to get that axle out of there to change out CV's.

If the nut wasn't properly torqued it may have given the axle just enough play to "rock" the main bearing causing it to fail. I don't know, just surmising.

Since you purchased an aftermarket axle that was fully assembled, did it have the clip installed on the tulip? You should have heard a solid click when you installed it.

Like I said, please keep this thread updated. I'm getting ready to rebuild the front end to include LCA's and spindles.

 

[Dhowl513]

So do me a favor and keep this thread updated. I have a spare set of spindles I'm rebuilding after I install my Total Chaos gussetts.

I just so happen to have them laid out on my bench after I've pressed everything out. I also have my original OEM axles that I just replaced. I took a picture for you to help you think out loud about your scenario.

As you can see the main axle bearing is pressed into the spindle against a lip. Once installed there's a big C clip that fits in a groove on the hub side of the spindle. In the photo, the clip is leaning against the ABS ring.

The hub is pressed into the main bearing and the only thing keeping the hub in place is the axle and the nut. As you know, all it takes is one good whack with the hammer to get that axle out of there to change out CV's.

If the nut wasn't properly torqued it may have given the axle just enough play to "rock" the main bearing causing it to fail. I don't know, just surmising.

Since you purchased an aftermarket axle that was fully assembled, did it have the clip installed on the tulip? You should have heard a solid click when you installed it.

Like I said, please keep this thread updated. I'm getting ready to rebuild the front end to include LCA's and spindles.

I thought the tulip was inside the boot, I heard a solid click when I hammered them into the front differential

I am thinking about purchasing two spindles off of a rear ended 4runner with 105,000 miles. I can obtain these for $200, my mechanic wants $975 just to press out and press in- thats with me bringing him the spindles only...no thank you.

 

[Dhowl513]

So do me a favor and keep this thread updated. I have a spare set of spindles I'm rebuilding after I install my Total Chaos gussetts.

I just so happen to have them laid out on my bench after I've pressed everything out. I also have my original OEM axles that I just replaced. I took a picture for you to help you think out loud about your scenario.

As you can see the main axle bearing is pressed into the spindle against a lip. Once installed there's a big C clip that fits in a groove on the hub side of the spindle. In the photo, the clip is leaning against the ABS ring.

The hub is pressed into the main bearing and the only thing keeping the hub in place is the axle and the nut. As you know, all it takes is one good whack with the hammer to get that axle out of there to change out CV's.

If the nut wasn't properly torqued it may have given the axle just enough play to "rock" the main bearing causing it to fail. I don't know, just surmising.

Since you purchased an aftermarket axle that was fully assembled, did it have the clip installed on the tulip? You should have heard a solid click when you installed it.

Like I said, please keep this thread updated. I'm getting ready to rebuild the front end to include LCA's and spindles.

Yes that clip was installed, sorry just saw your text on the picture.