The Brotherhood of the Travelling ECGS Tool

I’d go half with you on the install and removal tools if you send it to me when you’re done (I’m in SK). I’ve only got a couple 1000km on my truck so no rush to do it as of now.

 

Luke,
I have the tools right now with me.
I'm waiting on the bushing from the dealer in Surrey.
It should show up sometime this week.
If it does, I'd like to do the job this weekend.
As luck would have it, I'm travelling to Olds in mid June.
So maybe this could save a few bucks in transport.
I plan on adding the 35 mm socket to the kit, and fabricating a tie rod removal tool and axle puller.
Let me touch bases with Jaydon in AB.
I'm sure if you're in a rush or Jaydon is in a rush, something can be arranged.
Perry

 

Hey everyone, I've been trying to get my needle bearing out but no luck with the slide hammer. Anyone got an official ECGS tool floating around? Truck is up and ready for it so I'll send it right back!

 

Hello bbraz761,
Welcome to the site.
The tools on loan (shared) are only shipped within Canada (not sure where you're writing from?).
Also, but more importantly, we have a running list, actually a waiting list.
First asked, first served.
Some fellas in Western Canada should be next on the list after me.

I want to tag a little diagnostic info to those reading this in the future.
Here are some of the observations I have found on my truck prior to replacing the bearing.

If running your hand accross the tire ( at the outter edge).
You will feel it smooth from back to front, but sharp from front to back ( like a saw tooth).
See the attached drawing.
This comes from the tire rocking on the centerline ( so no wear at the center).
But the edges onside and out have this sawtooth feel to them.

When I measured the amount of axial play on my axle, it was roughly 0.060 with the bearing.
And now about 0.10 with the ECGS bushing.

I also ordered the bushing for Overland Outfitters in BC.
The bushing was $90, and they charge $45 for Canada post ( which is highly exagerated profit).
People on Ebay do this to make profit, I would not expect this of professionals..It's lowballing the customer.


In the mean time.

Here are a couple of pictures of the official ECGS tool attached.
Someone creative could use this information if really stuck ( doing so is not encouraged, the tool probably has a patent right attached to it).
I'm not certaain about that, so you do so at your own discretion..

I've also attached a picture of what the bushing looks like once it is removed.
The lower extended lip on the bearing that we see, is from tool being knocked into position with a drift ( or a punch).

According to my experience having now done mine.
I would recommend several things in the act of disassembling the front end.

1) lubricate the end of the axle at the hub (wheel bearing)over nite with penetrating oil.
2) disconnect the ball joint from the knuckle from the two large bolts ( very easy to remove, then reinstall, use a small scissor jack to lift the balljoint during reassembly).
3)Removing the axle is easy using a crowbar and leaning on the two bolt heads below the axle, pops out with minimal effort.
4) removing the swaybar link is not necessary, but can be done to have better clearance to the diff.
5) I would also strongly recommend lubricating the out edge of the seal prior to reinstallation.

Timmy the toolman has a very nice video on reinstalling the seal.
I messed mine up reinstalling the new seal ( went in too deep!)....so take your time and don't be over zealous with the hammer).
I'd recommend getting two seals prior to doing the job.
You can always return the second seal if not needed.
The seal cost me $12 at the local Napa store, so even if you wreck the first seal,...its only $12ish bucks.
And you'll be glad you had that second seal.
Which I wished I thought about prior to starting this job.

The tools should be available as of next Monday ( once I start over with the seal replacement).
Please PM me on a mailing address ( remember , you pay the freight).

Cheers,
Perry

 

Fyi,
I replaced the second axle seal Saturday.
At first I had some difficultes getting it in straight.
Being a Saturday afternoon, no dealer and no after market parts open.
I thought to err on the side of caution.
So more advice to you all doing this.
Sand the rusted ridge where the seal is installed.
Once the ridge is removed and a light coat of grease on the seal.
It was night to day , to install
Trust me, you will wrinkle the seals outside if you try installing it without removing the rusted ridge.
I ruined 1 seal thinking it wasn't that bad.
Once removed, it went in like a bad joke.
So don't be pig headed like me!

Since the repair, the vibration is 50% better.
But still slightly there.
Was the effort worth it?
Considering the wear on the tires, I guess so.
My expectation was that it would eliminate the vibration completely, it did not.
For that reason ,I am somewhat disappointed.
But I can try rotating the tires to see if it isn't something else.

I've added a 35mm socket and a few cotter pins to the kit for future folks doing this.

Please send me a personnal message if you want the kit.
Contact me via my regular email account as I'm not always here on the site.
Cheers,
Perry
perryponzo@gmail.com

 

that’s awesome man! If you took any photos of the area you sanded, that would be helpful to post them if you can!

I’m curious if maybe the wear on your tires is causing the remaining vibrations? Report back after you rotate. I’m curious.

 

Here is a picture of the ridge to be removed.
The rusted ridge is the result of the seal being installed (recessed) by about 3-5mm.

 

I'm looking to borrow the tool for end of August - I'm in Ayr Ontario (by KW).

Also, does anyone know of a good shop near that could do this for me? Would also be installing eibach stage 1 lift (coil and strut swap)?

Thanks all - love this forum.

 

PM me your address, I can send you the shipping cost quoted by Canada post.
If you're ok with the price, I can have it out at my local office in a shoppers drugmart this afternoon..You'd probably have it by Tuesday..
Perry

 

Thanks again guys - worked like a charm. If anybody else needs the tool, please advise.

 

Still have them, and willing to ship?

 

Where about is SK are you? I have a set in Saskatoon.

 

Regina, that would be great !

 

PM Me. I'll grab your details and get a quote for shipping.

 

Sorry for the late response (was away all week last week). I have them still. PM me your details and I can run out and get a shipping quote.

JS.

 

I'm looking for the ECGS needle bearing removal tool.

I'll need to order the parts from the ECGS or overlandoutfitters.ca site sometime soonish, and was hoping to avoid the extra parts and shipping.