Knuckle Bearing install?

[irork]

Alrighty, here's my problem. A few weeks ago i had a drivers side upper knuckle bearing fail on me while driving home. I figured this would be a good time to go ahead and rebuild the entire axle. Got the rebuild kit from marlin last week and got the axle out, disassembled and cleaned up. As i started to assemble the knuckles i went to slip the knuckle bearing onto the bottom pin while it sat on the bench so i wouldn't lose it... no can do, the bearing doesn't fit onto the pin. So I grabbed the hysteer arm to see if it will fit onto it (hoping that there is a top and bottom bearing) again, bearing is too small to fit over the pin. Its been 3 or 4 years since i last built an axle... and can't for the life of me remember ever having this issue.

For grins i grabbed one of the old bearings that i pulled off the passenger side hysteer arm, and went to see if it fit.. sure as shi* it was also too small to slip onto the pin. Knowing that the bearing came off, i knew it will go back on.. but whats the best way?? I'm thinking of tossing the hysteer arms and bottom caps into the freezer to get them good and cold? What are your guy's thoughts. Any tips are much appreciated!

Ian

[mudmaster]

It's been a few years since I've done it too, but I don't remember this being a problem at all. I'll be doing mine this weekend, let you know then 

[irork]

It's been a few years since I've done it too, but I don't remember this being a problem at all. I'll be doing mine this weekend, let you know then 

Thank you kind sir! haha

Fingers crossed that i'll have it figured out long before the weekend though! I'm planning on heading to the ocean to play in the sand with the yota...

[mudmaster]

Good luck

[Dingman.]

It shouldn't be an issue..  Is it possible they just have nicks or burrs on them?

I had to use a light sanding with some sandpaper to get my new bearings on the first time, but since them ive had them on and off without a real issue.

[swapped89]

Sounds like a predicament. I'd say freezing them is a good start maybe heat the bearings up a lil in the oven too.

[irork]

Yeah.. it seems very odd to me. But the fact that the old bearings dont go back on at least gives me piece of mind that the bearings i recieved in the kit are the correct ones.

I did check for burrs but they appear to be perfect, ill hit them with some sandpaper just for grins though.

i have the arms and caps in the freezer right now, and ill try heating up the bearings a bit before giving it a shot. I had pictured them just sliping right on to the pin... is that how it "normally" goes? like i said, its been awhile since i did a rebuild.

[Dingman.]

I just can't believe the pins swelled up enough to make a big difference in getting those bearings on.

I find it helpful to put grease on the pins before the bearings go on, that helps a bit.

[joey0712]

They are almost a press fit. Mine are tight.... This is normal

[irork]

They are almost a press fit. Mine are tight.... This is normal

That is what i wanted to hear! It shall be interesting to get them on, while inside the knuckle!

[zippo]

Take the arm off, and use some 600 Grit sand paper and spin the pin. It should be snugg but not that tight. Sometimes you get a little oxidation on the pin and it makes it tight. Don't sand to much just engough to lossen it up.

[irork]

BINGO!

Freezing the arms didnt make a difference, but heating the bearings up just a touch (10 sec with a torch) and scuffing the pins up with some 400grit did the trick! slips on with a slight tap.

Thanks guys!!