My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: 1955CJ-5 on November 28, 2020, 06:43:36 PM

Title: Steering Knuckle Seals
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on November 28, 2020, 06:43:36 PM

I replaced my old knuckle seals with new reproduction and they work just fine, no leaks....

But, I saved the old aluminum seal frames and am wondering if anyone has replaced the cork seal portion with the parts offered by Peter Debella or John Bizal?

https://www.debellajeepparts.com/KNUCKLE%20SEAL%20KIT.jpg

John has his on ebay, seller jbizal....I can't get the link to copy..

It appears that each seal half is in two parts.....different part numbers front and back...

Do they just pop apart or are they fastened somehow?

There is a small pin that might be peened over, but maybe not.

Anyone tried to separate the halves?

Title: Re: Steering Knuckle Seals
Post by: Rus Curtis on November 28, 2020, 08:37:00 PM

Looks like the older style vs. the newer split style.  I haven't tried to refurbish that style before.  Maybe the military vendors will know what needs to be done.

(I've tried twice to attach images.  Both failed)

Okay!  Kept at it and images attached!  First is old style and second is current or more modern available seal.

Title: Re: Steering Knuckle Seals
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on December 02, 2020, 08:35:38 PM

Thanks Rus,

Yes, I have the "old" style :)

I emailed John Bizal at Midwest Military:

https://store.midwestmilitary.com/

He emphatically suggested that I DO NOT take the frames apart.

He has the correct replacement seals and it seems they just press into place.

I will call him tomorrow and will get back with results...

Randy

Title: Re: Steering Knuckle Seals
Post by: Rus Curtis on December 02, 2020, 09:39:49 PM

Good information for sure....

Let us know how this goes.

Title: Re: Steering Knuckle Seals
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on December 03, 2020, 07:23:27 PM

The old cork seals pulled right out. No spring/wavy wire underneath though as I was led to expect....

More to be revealed.....

Title: Re: Steering Knuckle Seals
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on December 12, 2020, 08:46:29 PM

Replacement parts were ordered last week. I called John Bizal to be sure I got the right parts

https://midwestmilitary.com

They arrived today, and appear to fit fine. The cosmoline wiped off the spring with mineral spirits and it looked like new...amazing stuff...

These appear to be original parts. The rubber was still soft and the four pieces were carefully taped with very vintage masking tape.

I think I need a gasket though....

So the reproduction seals are working just fine, no leaks.....so for now I don't plan to install these....why mess up a good thing?