Front axle checks.

[AlanH]

I am about to remove the front axle of my Westy to get better access to the wheel wells.
While it is out I will obviously give it a proper clean, since it has lots of gunk caked onto it.
While I'm doing that and the axle is out are there things that are recommended to do in terms of seals, and checks.
Greasing is the obvious one, but what else is recommended?
I see some rubber boots have seen better days so they will need replacing. Any suggestions of where to get an possibly part numbers? What is good quality and what to stay clear of?

Thanking you in advance and looking forward to positive replies.

[sean]

A stock standard rebuild on a bay front suspension is as follows:
4 x ball joints
Both tie rods (or just the tie rod ends x 4)
Drag link
Center pin and bushes
Shocks

They are generally almost always worn together. Just replace the lot.


Ball joints, Goldwagen did have Febi/Bilsteins some time ago.

Tie rods ends, only good quality available locally from Mercedes Benz agents. Ask for ends from W123 merc.

Drag links, only know of crap quality Part Quip at the moment.

Center pin kit you get in Febi, but imported item. Maybe Volkspares or Vintage Kombi.

Never ever buy Empi suspension components, worst on the market.

[AlanH]

great, thanks Sean.
I already found out about EMPI. I bought some parts in the beginning and soon realised that I will never buy EMPI again if I can help it.

i see you did not mention any seals, are there none or are they never replaced? I'm thinking of the ones where I see grease coming out, obviously when pumped with grease.
Do you even remove the spring blades? I never felt something was wrong but while I'm at it I could check and be sure if it's worth the trouble.

[sean]

I’ve never had a seal issues or the roller bearings inside the tubes. I don’t think those ever wear out. Grease will come out the sides when you pump it in, not a seal issue.

You can have broken blades, so you can remove them to clean and inspect.

[AlanH]

Thank you, will decide when I get there.