Dana 25 knuckle wiper

m38Sam · Post by **m38Sam** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 7:45 pm

Hello all,
I have tried to search for this answer and couldn’t find anything, so I hope I am not asking a previously asked question.
I am in the process of rebuilding a Dana 25 front axle. After replacing the rubber wiper seals on the knuckle, the knuckle became so tight that it won’t move. Have I done something wrong or it is something that will loosen up with time?
Thanks for any input.

jnissen · Post by **jnissen** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 10:11 pm

Did you verify the knuckle bearing fit with a pull gauge prior to installing the wipers? We adjusted the bearings with the spacers to achieve the proper preload. Then once complete used the NOS type rubber seals inside the heavy aluminum split type seals. Lastly we added knuckle lube (Lubriplate Mag-00 grease). It definitely tightens up once the seals are in place but it should still move with some effort.

m38Sam · Post by **m38Sam** » Fri Nov 29, 2019 2:24 pm

Yes, all was fine prior to install of the rubber wiper. I have not applied any grease or other lubricant to the rubber. I can try that to see if it helps.

jnissen · Post by **jnissen** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 4:37 pm

I would imagine without any lube that knuckle likely did feel tight! Even with a good coat of moly lube while assembling it still made the knuckle stiff when the bolts for the wipers were clinched up.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 7:39 pm

The TM pretty clearly describes the assembly process of shimming the top king-pin cap, properly torquing both top and bottom cap bolts, and then measuring the flange motion with a spring-scale attached to the tie-rod arm (without wiper seal installed). I had to assemble and dis-assembly my driver side 3 times to get it right. Worth the time. With new bearings I ended up removing all shims (only 2, they measured .050 together) that were there when I took it apart to get the pull into the proper 12-16 pound range.

When I first re-assembled it using both shims that came out of it the knuckle wouldn't budge.

After I got the pull right and installing the wiper seals it stiffened up a tad bit more but still moves smooth by hand. I figure this is the way it's supposed to be but haven't driven it yet.

I was surprised --- quite a bit of difference that .050 can make.

From what I read in the manual, the ball is only supposed to get extra lube in freezing weather to help prevent it freezing. Other than that it's supposed to be run dry (or the bit that might seep past the seal as it sweeps back and forth while steering). I used my spring scale on a dry (but clean) ball.

Passenger side this coming weekend....

I'm a rookie. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck!

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 8:17 pm

When I do my passenger side (also with new bearings), it occurs to me to go at the shim situation from the opposite direction. Instead of assembling it with the shims it had when I take it apart I'm going to assemble it without any shims to start, and then add them as need be to get the pull correct.

All the old hands out there are probably thinking "duh!".....

Give me a break!