Archived Hub failure?

[CHolmsten]

the backround: I have a 93 W250, just got it within the last couple of weeks and the PO told me the hubs were completely rebuilt.

what happened: So I was driving at my 75 MPH on the freeway when all of a sudden I hear a very loud "zing" and the steering wheel all of a sudden has alot of slop in it. After pulling over I see that all the lug nuts were still good, but the wheel is basically falling off the truck. i can see at least one set of bearings, and I know the hub was in free. finally after the tow I can tell the wheel is going to fall off, it is basically pulled out about an inch from where it is supposed to be. I had figured that because this was a full floating axle there was no way that the wheel could fall off, perhaps I am just mistaking it for a full floater will not fall off if you break the axle shaft. Its over in the shop that gave me the tow, as I am stuck here about 200 miles from my house until it gets fixed. Anyone have any ideas as to what might have happened, and what might have caused this. Also what should I expect for the repair to cost? Thanks

 

[Joe Mc]

Not real familliar with the first gen front axels but, think if it's a D-60 it should basically be the same as mine. I removed my rotors and bearing assy and installed new in an effort to help stop a front end issue which turned out to be control arms. Anyway my old hub assys are for a 2500, 8800 GVW and for shipping they are yours if this would help.

As far as what may have happened - did the nut that holds the axel splined end in place back off and end up floating around (guessing you have locking/unlocking hubs?) inside. Maybe it was just the bearing's (hub assy) time to go? Regardless if it turns out to be the hub assy and the ones from a 99 - 2500 8800GVW will work (have someone check your part number and then same thing on a 99) they're yours.

Be prepared as I've gotten shop to shop pricing of $250 each on these buggers. Actually got them for $220 each so, my old ones (which are still good) for free are quite a steal. The only thing is waiting for them to arrive - is the wait worth a minimum of $500 + the mark up from where ever you are having it done . . . you're call? I'm sending a PM w/my cell number so if you are interested and don't get this right away you can at least call me - don't waste a dime on a call if you're not interested not a problem.

Good luck whichever way you have to go.

Joe Mc

 

[CHolmsten]

spindle

The shop that I have it at here tells me that I need a whole new hub assembly and spindle. ouch. I am gonna go take a look at it myself. I will post more on it a little later.

 

[CHolmsten]

Okay, well just got back from the shop basically what happened was the outer bearing wasen't greased the way it was supposed to be. Looking at it I need a new spindle, a new lock-out hub, the whole bearing assembly and the hub that the rotor bolts to (also holds the lug nuts) Any Ideas? did they change the hub between 93 and 99?

 

[Kirwin]

Hub is old school

Easily repaird. Parts are still available from many sources. Try NAPA. Spindles and hubs also available from Dodge and other sources if you really need the hub. However the bearings and races can be pressed out and replaced in the hub. The hub will not normally be damaged on a bearing failure. If you have the service manual you can see an exploded view and its a pretty straight forward repair. Ken Irwin

 

[CHolmsten]

hub

I do think the whole hub needs to be replaced, as where the grease seal is is really badly grooved. Supposedly the shop is gonna look for the parts at napa/dealership startin on monday. How much do you think this is gonna run me?

 

[Joe Mc]

Bearing Assy - easy $250 + shop markup, spindle??? Aren't you a 4X4 - regardless sit down for that price I'd bet it's in the $2-300 range.

Bummer - hope this doesn't hurt too much + Labor yeeeeoooowwww!!!!