Newbie with a question

[GA76cj7]

I purchased a 76 CJ7 Levi (Edition) edition last weekend and took it up to a local tire center to have them check out the front end. I have a lot of play in the steering. they told me the steering box probably was the culprit.They also told me the tie rod ends were tight and did not need replacing but that the front bearings and all four ball joints needed replacing. when they handed me an estimate of $1000.00 I picked myself up off the floor and started researching doing the work myself and with a friend of mine that knows more than i do. I am truly a newbie but capable of learning so i come to all of you for advice. why is this so hard that 650.00 is labor. I have spoken with several other mechanics and it seems that it is a timely job that is a pain in the rear. Any advise on the job would be most appreciated.

 

[brian613]

Its not hard to replace the ball joints.. you just have to completely disassemble the front axle ( from the knuckles out) and have the old ones pressed out and the new pressed In. Do one side at a time so you can look at the other side for reference

 

[Purple77CJ7]

Get yourself a good service manual and you can do it. The only thing, it takes some special tools that you may be able to rent or barrow.

 

[GA76cj7]

How about the Bearings do the have to be pressed in and out also? It looks pretty strait forward in the service manual.

 

[hole]

You wont need a press for the bearings. http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/replacing-ball-studs-3482/?highlight=replacing+ball+joints This was all the helpful info I was given before I did mine.

 

[GA76cj7]

Awesome! thanks "Hole" thats why I came to you guys.

 

[GA76cj7]

one more question on the bearing removal. will I need any special tool when replacing the bearings? I had read on another post that someone said you will need a tool to pull the hub?

 

[brian613]

just a socket big enough to fit the wheel nuts that hold the bearings in

 

[elwood blues]

one more question on the bearing removal. will I need any special tool when replacing the bearings? I had read on another post that someone said you will need a tool to pull the hub?

Two things to get;

this book;

Amazon.com: Jeep Cj Rebuilder's Manual, 1972-1986: Mechanical Restoration, Unit Repair and Overhaul Performance Upgrades for Jeep Cj-5, Cj-6, Cj-7, and Cj-8/Scrambler (9780837601519): Moses Ludel: Books

I have it and used it extensively when I did my wheel bearings a few years back, detailed write-up with good pictures.

You will need this tool;

Original Replacement Parts A692N - Spindle Nut Socket for Jeep® Vehicles - Quadratec

It's called a spindle nut socket, you'll need it to get the spindle nuts and washers off so you can get at the wheel bearings.

 

[JR74CJ5]

one more question on the bearing removal. will I need any special tool when replacing the bearings? I had read on another post that someone said you will need a tool to pull the hub?

As Elwood said you will need the socket and that book will be very valuable.

You will want to know how to both replace, and disassemble and reassemble the hubs too, as packing the front wheel bearings is quite necessary to making them last a long time.

It's not hard after a few times...

You will also want a good set of snap ring pliers.


~ JR

 

[GA76cj7]

I ordered the book:ty:

 

[elwood blues]

One more thing to add, if you've got an extra $20 when you go to purchase wheel bearing grease, pick one of these up;



It's a wheel bearing packing tool. They're worth every stinking penny. Just fill the bottom with grease, put your new bearing in the tray, push down and the new bearings are packed full of grease. No fumble farting around with a big glob of grease in your hand and trying to hand pack a bearing, a serious PITA!

 

[MyOldJeep]

I just installed a Big Daddy HD Steering box bracket, a rebuilt steering box and I replaced the lower steering shaft coupling, boot and nuts along with the upper steering shaft coupling, bearing and plastic spacer. It took approx 12 hours of work and $200.00 in parts. I'm not a mechanic and if could do it by myself I am sure you can as well. I learned a lot about my jeep by performing the work myself. GO FOR IT!