Front axle question

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Hanselandgretel
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Front axle question

Post by Hanselandgretel » Fri Jan 14, 2022 11:01 am

I am rebuilding a Banjo front end from my G506 and have a grease/lube question. How does the top bearing that the steering knuckle pivots on get lubricated? It looks to me that there is a cover on the bottom side of the bearing so no grease can come up to it from the bottom. If it wanted to any way!! I do not see a path for grease to get to it from any where else. The bottom bearing is open on the top so grease can flow into it by gravity.

I am planning on using "lockout hubs" so the front drive axles will probably never turn. I will not want to get the truck dirty! I have heard all kinds of theories for lube of the CV joint and the bearings I talked about above. Ideas? Most say use gun grease, a whole tube in the CV joint. And no runny grease in the housing??

I do have the lube order. Help please? Thanks


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retro-roco
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Re: Front axle question

Post by retro-roco » Fri Jan 14, 2022 11:28 am

Pack the bearings well before assembling the trunnion bearings.
trunnion bearings.PNG
Kirk Gustafson
359th Infantry Regt. 90th Div. WWII HRS

1942 Chevy G506 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Cargo
1943 Ben Hur water trailer

Hanselandgretel
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Re: Front axle question

Post by Hanselandgretel » Fri Jan 14, 2022 4:26 pm

This sounds like the bearings we are talking about are packed like wheel bearings? I like it! Thanks

Where did you find the info you sent? I have lots of manuals on the truck but I am not smart enough to find stuff in them! Thanks again. Al

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retro-roco
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Re: Front axle question

Post by retro-roco » Fri Jan 14, 2022 4:57 pm

This snip is from the manual TM 9-1765A. There is another related manual TM 9-1765B. They are for the G085 Chevy bomb truck, but is the same G506 1-1/2 ton chassis. Here is a link to the first: https://radionerds.com/images/0/01/TM_9-1765A_1942.pdf
Kirk Gustafson
359th Infantry Regt. 90th Div. WWII HRS

1942 Chevy G506 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Cargo
1943 Ben Hur water trailer

forestry4evr
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Re: Front axle question

Post by forestry4evr » Sat Jan 22, 2022 3:29 am

Al,

The upper trunnion bearing is rather high and dry in that front axle knuckle assembly. I believe part of the lubrication to that bearing after greasing it upon installation is achieved via grease being slung up to it from the axle shaft. Even if you are going to run with lockout hubs, it is a good idea to occasionally go for a drive with the front axle engaged. I periodically run my truck in 4x4 with the hubs locked. It is best to find a decent smooth gravel road where you can run rather fast so all of the internal parts are spinning at high revolutions. I really don't know if it makes that much difference, but I also try to do the above on hot days when the grease in the knuckle is soft. One of the contributing factors of the "death wobble" is worn-out trunnion bearings so you certainly want to do what ever is possible to keep those bearings lubricated and happy.

Paul
1941 G4112 Chevrolet with Hercules dump bed

D.R.H.
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Re: Front axle question

Post by D.R.H. » Thu Feb 03, 2022 6:03 pm

Sorry Paul.
Every G-506 front axle that I have worked on, and that would 9 to date, has had a little flat disc under the upper king-pin bearing race. This little "grease pan" keeps the grease in the upper bearing from falling into the knuckle. It also holds moisture too if the shims and king pin cap aren't properly sealed. The very last Chevy that I worked on was in March of 2021 and I made a video of the front axle work. This "grease pan" can be clearly seen at 2:51 in my video. Here is the link to the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afoS8gW6tGI&t=3s.
In Loving Memoriam: George R. Hancock. 20 Mar. 1938 - 11 Jan. 2017. U.S.A.F. 1956 - 1962. R.I.P. Dad.
In Loving Memoriam: Ann Hancock, 08 Mar. 1934 - 25 Sept. 2021. R.N. 1960 - 2005. R.I.P. Mom.
Thank You BOTH for always being there.

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forestry4evr
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Re: Front axle question

Post by forestry4evr » Fri Feb 04, 2022 8:41 am

Yes there is that sheet metal piece...it has been many moons since I have had a front axle apart.
1941 G4112 Chevrolet with Hercules dump bed

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Re: Front axle question

Post by D.R.H. » Sun Feb 06, 2022 1:53 pm

Did your Chevy's still have that little disc Paul? I would think that if a guy didn't have them in his axle, one could be made from the bottom of an actual pie pan from a store bought pie. It could be cut out with a pair of tin snips. HEEEEEY, I just had a great thought that this would be an excellent to buy an apple, cherry, or peach pie!! :)
In Loving Memoriam: George R. Hancock. 20 Mar. 1938 - 11 Jan. 2017. U.S.A.F. 1956 - 1962. R.I.P. Dad.
In Loving Memoriam: Ann Hancock, 08 Mar. 1934 - 25 Sept. 2021. R.N. 1960 - 2005. R.I.P. Mom.
Thank You BOTH for always being there.

My YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaMKEv ... M3g/videos.

Hanselandgretel
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Re: Front axle question

Post by Hanselandgretel » Tue Feb 08, 2022 5:58 pm

Frost plug may fit if you need to replace one. Some people think this thing should be removed to help lube fly up and grease the bearing, and to open the bearing up so moisture does not gather in the bearing.

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retro-roco
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Re: Front axle question

Post by retro-roco » Wed Feb 09, 2022 4:59 am

I have a small stash of these 'RETAINER, oil, front axle trunnion bearing' if anyone needs a pair. They are part number 3659638.
Kirk Gustafson
359th Infantry Regt. 90th Div. WWII HRS

1942 Chevy G506 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Cargo
1943 Ben Hur water trailer

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Re: Front axle question

Post by Dr Deuce » Tue Mar 01, 2022 3:06 am

The disk is indeed solid. Pack the bearing with grease. I drill a small hole 1/8 or so. Water tends to collect up there and will rust the bearing parts. The little hole let's the water out. I have done this for 30-40 years on all my banjo trucks.
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