Bad Hubs

[ToddK]

Well, I have had a knock sound coming from the front end for a little while. I took the truck into a shop to have it checked out and they told me both front hubs were bad. I didn't have them fix it because when I bought the truck I received a 100k drivetrain warranty. Well the dealer I bought the truck from didn't input the info correctly for the warranty so I am waiting for them to get it ironed out. Anyway, am I ok to drive the truck and/or tow with it in this condition? I have a camping trip this weekend and it is not looking good to get the warranty thing staightened out before this wkd. Thanks for any input.

 

[Ducman82]

it kinda depends on how bad theys are. if they are just making noise, no heat marks, and the wheel has no play... id drive it.

 

[HBarlow]

Your post doesn't tell us whether it is 2wd or 4wd. I know nothing about 4wds so ignore my post if yours is 4wd.



If it's 2wd first inspect the front tires for abnormal wear. Then jack up each front wheel and rotate the tire while you feel for roughness and listen for strange sounds. Then grasp the tire at top and bottom and pull out at the top while pushing in at the bottom then do the opposite to determine how much play the hub bearings have. If you are not able to detect any abnormal tire wear, noise or roughness, or excessive play it is probably safe enough for a weekend trip. It is possible that you have very little play and a shop was trying to sell you a pair of expensive hubs a little early.



However, read and think about this very carefully, when a front hub fails it can occur with almost no warning and the wheel can separate from the spindle.



A good source for a discounted set of new hubs is "K" at MOPAR4LESS. -- email address removed --. Standard disclaimer applies.

 

[steved]

However, read and think about this very carefully, when a front hub fails it can occur with almost no warning and the wheel can separate from the spindle.

This does not apply to a 4wd... the stub shaft prevents the hub from separating...