I did a reasonable search on the subject and I can't seem to find any info.
I read a while back it was possible to fill the pitting on the outside of a solid axle knuckle ball to smooth it out.
If there is a write up or link to this procedure would you kindly pass it along?
thanks

 

Clean the surface, apply the filler, smooth it out and let cure. Sand smooth and you are done. You could probably find a link to auto body filler application, same basic idea.

 

I actually am in the process of doing it. The JB Weld doesn't seem to be setting up. It is still very tacky and it has been more than 6 hours. It is wet and humid here and that may have something to do with it. I will see what happens in the morning.
Thanks for the response!

 

Sounds like you didn't use enough hardener or your hardener went bad.

 

yea i always mix jb and bondo slightly hot (more hardner) also with jb weld i like to put it under a red heat lamp to cure. im interested on how it turns out, iv been pondering on how to fix the pitting on mine next time i reseal...or get longfields

 

I went out in the freezing rain and scraped off what I applied earlier.
The JB Weld I was using is at least 10 years old and wasn't curing. I figure the hardener is shot and it would be better to start from new.
I will post up a few pics of the process in a few days.

 

take a wire wheel to the balls to get all the old crap out.

 

A little extreme?

I've done the JB after cleaning. Worked good.

JB takes some time to cure, usually overnight. A heat lamp to keep it warm does help. It has to be warm to cure.

 

Owwww!!!

 

24hrs later and two heat lamps 3" away and the JB Weld is fully cured. Amazingly it acts just like bondo (which I am far too familiar with.) lol
I took the JB W down very close to the edge and feathered it out. It is NOT a cosmetic fix but rather a functioning fix. I also put a little on the inside outside of the inner axle seal housing.
I cant see any reason why this procedure wont work to help maintain fit and seal.
Sorry about the big pics..

 

sweet, I'm going to do that when i get back. looks good.

 

It definitely filled in the pitting!

 

You need to check out Russell's (vwfastg60) build thread in the 2nd gen forum ... he polished his to a gleaming shine...

 

JB weld seems like it might work...but i wounder how long it would last

 

It will last longer then the bare metal as long as the surface was clean for it to stick to that is some tuff stuff

 

My balls




no pits

 

ouch, dont even want to think about that...

 

i used a few coats of paint