Technical Overhauling rear axle.

[Peter Pick-Up]

Today, we did the overhaul of the rear axle of our m.y. 2000 Palio Weekend 1,6-16V. with about 195.000km's.
The last weeks, I noticed the right rear wheel leaning to the inside.
A closer inspection saw grease seeping out the rear axle joints.
I ordered two new axle bearing sets at Ebay.
Everything went smoothly today, and as expected, the right side bearings were completely gone.
Used a a lot of grease, so the rear axle is ready for the next 200.000km's...!

http://www.ebay.nl/itm/230567761724...sid=p3984.m1439.l2649&clk_rvr_id=481996737638
Mapco 34054

 

[rikhav]

Hi Peter

Any other symptoms of a bad rear axle?

I think going bad at 2 lac kms is pretty good

People in India (guys who dont own fiat cars) would be shocked to know how reliable palios are if maintained well

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

No other symptoms yet.
After a longer time, probably uneven tyre wear, and "clonking" sound may appear.
I always keep the underside of my cars in a good shape with quality anti corrosion products like Dinitrol and Teroson.
I think that's one of the reasons everything went well today, no corroded bolts or nuts etc. even after 13 years of everyday use!

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Roadholding is (again) superb...!!!
Those rear axle bearings deteriorate very slowly over time, you get used to it, but with brandnew bearings, car acts like new...!!

 

[rikhav]

What is the time period you recommended to change the axle bearings if there are no visible or audible symptoms

I ask this because you mentioned it wears out very slowly and one tends to get used to it

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

I really don't know.
It depends on so many different things:
How do you use the car, and with what load?
Original wheels or aftermarket ( lower ET means more load on the axle bearings..)
Salt on the roads in winter..?
Just keep an eye on the rear wheels, you'll notice, like me, if a wheel is leaning to the inside, meaning an axle bearing is gone.
In my case, grease was coming out, as a sign the bearing O-ring was broken..
I would say, anywhere between 150.000 and 200.000km's....

 

[TigerMan55]

Hello Peter,
I just picked up on this old thread as my Palio (165000km) failed the Controle Technique today on what I translate as "excessive movement on rear suspension knuckle or articulation". Would this kit address that do you think? Is the kit for one or both sides? I haven't actually examined the job yet.
I'd also welcome any tips you have.


Best Regards,


David

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

The kit is for one side, and does not contain grease, so you have to put on/in a good quality grease yourself.
Most people use a new control arm (ebay), because it's easier to change the complete arm....(the old bearings and bushes can get stuck and difficult to remove....!!).

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

I just noticed that the offer on Ebay is no longer available, but there are several others offering the same Mapco kit a slightly different prices.

 

[TigerMan55]

Thanks for coming back so quick Peter.


Mister-Auto have a similar kit:- http://www.mister-auto.com/kit-de-reparation-bras-triangulaire/delphi-td548w_g772_a089TD548W.html, but it seems to have less parts, I'll look further.


I'll park her in the garage tomorrow, be liberal with the WD40 and start on Friday. I've got 2 months!


Cheers

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

That Delphi part on Mister-auto looks the same!


But do a search on Ebay for Mapco 34054.

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

The part that's missing at Mister-auto is the plastic sleeve, and you do need it, because the old one will come out damaged in most cases...

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

http://www.ebay.nl/itm/REPARATURSAT...772689298?pt=DE_Autoteile&hash=item35bb1fc992

 

[TigerMan55]

Just the ticket and about the same price for 2 with shipping. Thanks again!

 

[TigerMan55]

Hi Peter, during your overhaul, did you remove brake hoses etc.? I had no problem getting the bolt out, but she's not dropping enough to get clearance, so I guess the anti-roll bar needs to come off?

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

If I remember correctly ( it's almost a year ago now...), I left the brake hoses, but unbolted the anti-rol bar indeed.
How are the bearings on your car, or are they still in..??

 

[TigerMan55]

They still seem pretty solid so they're still in place, no pieces dropping out. I think the tester was pretty strict, not my usual one. He failed the left and flagged the right, seems fair at 165,000 although I couldn't feel any movement.
I'll just finish my coffee and undo the a-r bar. Probably best to drop both sides at once?

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Probably best to drop both sides at once?

That's what I did.
The right side bearing on our car was completely gone, while the left was still OK, nevertheless I changed both sides.

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

They still seem pretty solid so they're still in place, no pieces dropping out. I think the tester was pretty strict, not my usual one. He failed the left and flagged the right, seems fair at 165,000 although I couldn't feel any movement.
I'll just finish my coffee and undo the a-r bar. Probably best to drop both sides at once?

Did you fix it..??

 

[TigerMan55]

Nope, I was called away for domestic duties! I hope to have it all apart tomorrow. Parts are on order from Germany (about 44€ total).