Time for new spider gears?

[Chris Kelley]

I noticed this wear while replacing the left axle and wheel bearing. I would’ve thought that shards of metal got in there and chewed up the gears, but for some reason the right side gear looks perfectly smooth. Maybe the extra slop in the left axle from the bad wheel bearing caused it, but the wear looks so aggressive, I’m a little baffled. Any idea what would cause this? And would you guys replace the gear right away? If so, should I replace all the gears, for optimal meshing?

 

[Chris Kelley]

I should add that I’ve been trying to fix a vibration when driving for a while. So far, I’ve replaced an axle, wheel bearing, tie rods, etc., and the issue is greatly improved but not quite fixed yet. There is still a little bit of vibration when accelerating, and I’m thinking this gear is the most likely culprit.

 

[machoheadgames]

I’ve seen similar wear on an axle I tore down recently. Just replace them, not much to it and I don’t think you can buy a single gear anyways. I’ll sound like a parrot here but I think the Spicer net forged gear kits are a better choice than most other options and they shouldn’t pit like that.

 

[OldBuzzard]

If your vibration is when accelerating straight, the spiders are probably not the culprit. They're only turning against each other when you're turning the Jeep.

In any case, yes, I would replace them.

 

[Chris Kelley]

Thanks for the help, guys!

 

[machoheadgames]

Thanks for the help, guys!

Is the problem fixed?

 

[Chris Kelley]

Not yet. I plan to upgrade to Spicer forged gears in the near future, but right now I’m focusing on trying to solve the main cause of this vibration, which to my best guess is something else.