Moser one piece axles install

[Agent915]

Good morning everyone,

Its been a while since I've posted anything concerning my '78 CJ5 and this is a continuation of my original post. I had mentioned the issue of the rear brakes making noise, primarily on the right side. I ordered a rebuild kit for the rear brakes, so basically the only thing that would not be new was the backing plates. Once the brakes were torn down, I discovered that the right rear hub was bent, which was likely the cause of the scrubbing sound.
After researching the cost of replacing the hubs, I decided my best course of action long term was to replace the old two-piece set up with the Moser one piece axles. The tear down was fairly straight forward. I discovered both wheel bearings were totally shot! Both sides appeared to be completely dry. The left side was actually worse than the right. They had been replaced at some point and I wonder if the bearings were packed with grease at all. Maybe who ever installed them assumed that they were lubed by the axle dope. Once the Moser kit came in a buddy and me started to prep for the installation of the axles. The instructions say to install the inner seal, then the spacer, followed by the bearing. With all this installed there should be between .020-.080 of the bearing sticking out passed the axle flange. Here's where I ran into trouble. With everything installed I had .156. I know the instructions say to trim the spacer down if there is more than .080, but that seems like A LOT to trim off! The seal went in fine and I believe its all the way in, but there is a good 1/4" space between the seal and the spacer. How much should there be? Plus, should the spacer slide in and out of the housing easily? Mine does not. I'm afraid to drive it in with the install tool because I would destroy the seal trying to remove it. This all seemed like a relatively easy swap as I read through the instructions and I would really like to do this without going to a mechanic. I would REALLY appreciate some of you guys chiming in with some helpful ideas!

Thanks!!!

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Call Moser-
Make sure the bearing is seated all the way on the axle shaft.
One install, I did many years ago, I had to grind off close to that amount.
LG

 

[Agent915]

LG,

I was hoping that you'd jump in! I talked to a local mechanic and he was more than glad to come over and take a look at it. When he saw it he immediately said, "your spacer isn't in far enough." I handed him a hammer and an install tool and BAM! Put the digital caliper on it and there it was .070! Right in Moser specs! I knew on Saturday that it looked like it needed to go farther in the tube but was hesitant to try and force it, so I played it safe. Sure is nice to have folks that have knowledge that they're willing to share, both in town and on the forum! I'm fighting to not get overly excited, because I still have the other side to check, but my confidence is up! Can't wait until the weekend!

DJ

 

[Agent915]

Good morning folks!

It has been about 2 months since I posted about my decision to bite the bullet and switch to Moser one piece axles. If you followed my posts, you know that I was having all sorts of issues with noises coming from the rear brakes. The tear down revealed a warped hub and shot wheel bearings, hence the swap to Moser. Well, it's been an experience to say the least. I took my axles to a shop where I was told that they would "work them in" and I was completely okay with that. I mean, the CJ isn't my daily driver. Its a weekend toy. After 5 weeks, and several visits to the shop, the axles were ready. I went by and picked them up on a Friday afternoon excited about getting them installed the following morning. The plan was that I would do the axles and a friend of mine would build the brakes. Saturday morning I go out to the shop to prep for the install. My friend shows up and we're discussing the game plan and he says, "We should be all set as long as they didn't put the plates on the wrong axle!" He laughed a little and I panicked a little because I knew that I had not checked them before I left the shop! Well, you guessed it! Left plate is on the passenger side axle!! Now, I'm as about as patient and easygoing as anyone you will ever meet. It takes A LOT to push me over the edge, but man was I hot! I had even marked the left backing plate to prevent this from happening! On top of that, the bearing on the left axle looked as if it was damaged. I tried calling the shop, no answer. Probably a good thing. Anyway, I took the axles to another shop and sure enough I had to buy a new set of bearings.
I got the axles back in a couple days and since I was off work for Memorial Day I installed the axles. My friend came over this past Saturday and we built and bled the brakes. I was way past ready to be in the CJ! Got in to fire it up....NOTHING. A quick jump, after all its been sitting for a little over 2 months, and I'm on the road! Let me say for all the frustration, it was so worth it! It is like a totally different Jeep. Virtually all the noise was being generated by the warped hub and those bearings! I couldn't believe the difference! I drove back to the house and told my wife that we were taking the CJ to dinner. She was excited about that! Go out to start it up....Nothing. So I run to the parts store to have the battery checked, of course its bad. Took the plunge for a new Opitma Yellow Top, and we're off and running!!
Listen, I apologize for this being so long, but I wanted to share my frustrations and successes because I know that I am not alone in either! Plus without advice and direction from you guys I would have been lost! Thanks for all your help and advice!
DJ

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Good to hear it all worked out.
I strongly suggest, that you go to Wal-Mart and buy a battery maintainer(NOT a charger)and use that when the jeep is to sit for more than a few days.
I have a maintainer hooked up on mine now-
Thank you for the update!
LG

 

[Agent915]

LG,

Funny you mention that! I started shopping for a maintainer/charger the same evening that I had to "jump" the CJ. Drives my wife huts, but I (over) research everything!! Any suggestions as far as a manufacturer? I'm reading good reviews on Schumacher. Seems that they build a lot of electronic devices for other companies to put their own brand on.

DJ

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Mine are all Schumacher. Never any issue and have had them for many years.
LG