ECGS install advice

Yes, I did.

 

Reviving an old thread.

Where did you guys get the two install tools:

-bearing install press

-seal install press

(In addition to the bearing removal tool).

 

Removal tool can be bought from ECGS. I borrowed it from a Rob.

The bearing install tool can be purchased on Amazon and a hammer.

The seal install tool was a piece of PVC pipe, about $1.25 at Home Depot. Same hammer from above.

 

Thanks…I did see tools made specifically for the job in a number of videos, maybe they’re common tools that come in a kit…

Edit: or maybe ECGS provides the kit

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-23994075-t8-clamshell-bushing-installer-tool.html

 

ECGS sells the install tool. I also bought the adapter for the seal.
It also as a “lip” that will bottom out on the diff so you don’t seat the bushing or seal too far.
I don’t know if they built the tool specifically that way, but it works that way.

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-23994075-t8-clamshell-bushing-installer-tool.html

In my opinion, the tool is definitely worth $45. ($30 for tool, and $15 for adapter)
It’s good quality.

 

Thanks! I like the idea of the lip to set at specific depth.

Did you replace your seal?

 

Yes, I did replace the seal.
I think technically there is correct depth (and it ain’t much) to seat the seal.
But I do know more people have problems by seat it to far far in, than too far out.
If I remember right, mine was just about flush with the outside lip of the diff.

I bet @6 gearT444E knows the right depth if you “really”want to be precise.
I just beat mine in until it the tool bottomed on the side of the diff.
Which was “just flus or just past flush?” I honestly forget. Take a pic or measure the depth of the old one first, if you are worried about it.

 

I would do exactly what you said, just bottom it out with the tool.

What was your experience getting the CV axle out and then back in? Very difficult?

 

I had no problems at all.
Mine popped right out with a big pry bar. Yeah it bends the metal “dust seal” but you can take a hammer and peck it back over.

As for install, I put the Axle in as far as it will go by hand, then pull it back out some and give it a good “shove”.
Kind of hard to explain, but I learned that trick doing Honda axles years ago.
Worked just as good for me on the Tacoma too.

 

Awesome. Thanks!

 

If the axle won't come out rotate it 90 degs and try again, and again. You won't be able to see it but the c-clip on the splined part likes to be facing down (the opening) to compress and come out.

When installing the axle, same thing. Point the c-clip down and it won't fight you

FWIW I didn't replace the seal when I did mine. It was clean/dry and pliable when poked with a pocket screwdriver. The bushing went in without even touching it. Just make sure that little garter spring doesn't pop out from the back

 

For me sometimes the cv goes in easy and other times it fights back. I’ve tried up, down, turning a bit and havent had a consistent ‘way’ work for getting the cv in. If it fights I level it and hit the end with a mallet to pop it in.

 

Yup mallet or deadblow hammer

 

I used a large cold chisel to get the CV out and again to re-install. Place ot on the notches and make sure the c-clip is lined up properly on install. Makes it much easier. The axle on my truck came out and went in with just a couple solid blows. I did not use a pry bar at all.

it also helps to have a second set of hand to hold the axle straight.

For the bushing, i left it in the freezer for several days before the install. When it was time to install, i took it out, coated it with lube/grease, and installed using the ECGS tool.

The good thing about their tool is that it holds the bearing in place with the plastic inner bushing, and you cannot drive it in too far because the flat edge prevents it.

 

FWIW, I used 85w-140 as ECGS recommended. If I were to do it again, I’d use

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90. My diff leaked from the breather under the hood. There’s a possibility I over filled the diff. But I’ve never done that before. And a quick search here on the forum shows that most of the other people that had it happen, also used 85w-140.

It’s not a big deal, but it does make a mess. As it leaks out under the hood, down the fender well, onto the lower control arm and makes a mess. Not to mention stinks.

 

Interesting.. the oil weight must have played a role. It's pretty hard to over fill a diff when you're just filling it through the fill hole

 

I agree.

I only put that bit of info in there
because this is tacomaworld, and someone will be along shortly to tell me that filling it until it runs out the fill hole is “technically” over filled. And yes, that is what I did, and never had any problems until I used 85w-140.

And that’s how I’ll continue to do it.

 

Also FWIW, mine did NOT push fluid out the breather until it dropped down to about 30 degrees out side. I ran it for 6 month in the summer with no problem. No leaks. Then all of a sudden it leaks out the breather as soon as cold weather gets here. Weird

 

You might check again to make sure the breather hose isn't pinched or kinked

 

Just ordered the bushing, seal, and install tools from ECGS.