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Steering knuckle axle housing wear?
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:14 am
by JeepdaddyRC
Is this abnormal wear on the axle housing under the bearing cup opening?
Or is it factory machining?
Photos from a 1952 M38A1 with Dana 25 and Bendix joints.
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:57 am
by wesk
In your TM 9-8014 you will find on page 255, Figures142 & 143 showing a new housing.
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:31 am
by JeepdaddyRC
I reviewed the photos from TM 9-8014, page 255, Figures 142 & 143.
The bottom appears to have the same machining.
No photo of the top.
So the answer is...
factory machining?
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:54 am
by wesk
Since the inside of the knuckle and the knuckle itself are symmetrical it is a safe assumption that the top required the same clearance machining as the bottom.
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 10:17 am
by JeepdaddyRC
Thanks Wes!
The upper and lower king pin bearing cups were worn.
It appears one may have spun (based on marking along the outside).
Would it be prudent to use a Loctite 648 type bearing retainer when installing new cups?
The housing does not appear wallowed out and it is still an interference fit.
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 11:11 am
by wesk
If you still have a proper interference fit then I see no need for any LocTite. These are steering pivot points and are not exposed to any form of high speed spinning forces. Those which show evidence of the bearing race rotating were most likely seriously worn or corroded or damaged causing the rotation. All common results of aging without proper preventative maintenance.