outer axle shaft bearing seat

[SLO CTD]

Howdy!!

I'm in the process of changing the front wheel bearings on my truck, and while I was at it, I removed the axle shaft too. I found that the seat on the outside of the axle shaft was ridged and pitted, basically in pretty bad shape. The bearing is shot too and I plan on replacing it, but what can I do for the seat? Can it be turned down with a lathe and then used with an oversized bearing? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[paccool]

Casey,



Are you talking about the area on the shaft that the seal rides on or the inner bearing race? If it is the seal area, there is a thin metal sleeve that is used on the rear axles to take care of this problem. Is called a "speedy sleeve". I can't say for sure if this will work on the front ones or not as I have not had the pleasure of tearing one apart. Ask a rear end shop about it and see what they say.



Maybe somene will answer this that has had the same problem. Did you try a search?



Stan

 

[SLO CTD]

yeah, sorry not to be specific enough, but the area on the axle where the bearing rides is what i'm referring to, the innner bearing race... yeah, helps to read the whole post before replying. thanks!

 

[M Barnett]

If your talking about an inner bearing race, I would think it drives off the shaft and replace it with a new one.

Michael

 

[JFitzgerald]

I doubt a speedi-sleeve would work to ride directly on the spindle needle bearings, but I certainly could be wrong. Bad news is that you'll probably have to replace the outer stub shaft to properly fix it. The shaft surface rides directly on the spindle bearing, and there is no race to drive off. Or, just replace the bearings & seals, polish the shaft's bearing surface with emery cloth, and see how long it might last. I have been through this more than once with the Dana 60 in my Jeep. What I did was replace the the spindle bearings with brass bushings I had a friend make on his lathe to match my worn stub shafts. Worked great, since the brass was the softer metal, and IT wore instead of the stub shaft. This Jeep is for off road only, it was a temporary fix, and I wouldn't recommend going this route for your truck. Since then, I have replaced the stubs with new 35 spline Dana 70 versions and gone back to the standard spindle bearings. You can buy new stubs for $75 each, but then you get into buying new u-joints for $50+ each... HTH

 

[paccool]

Fitz

When I said speedy sleeve it was for the seal. I wasn't sure just exactly what he meant.



The bearing actually rides on the shaft? That sucks! now I know why Casey is so concerned. Hope this works out ok for him.

 

[Dfeland]

What he is refering to is the actual axle shaft. It has its own support bearing inside the spindle. Its a little roller bearing. To answer your question no you can't turn the shaft down nor would you want to because rememer the inner is 35 spline and the outer portion is only 30 spline. You would have to get a new outer portion of the axle shaft. The reality that bearing really does not do anything to important and you could get away with it by just cleaing it up and letting it go at that. Hope that answers your question. Danny

 

[JFitzgerald]

Originally posted by paccool

Fitz

When I said speedy sleeve it was for the seal. I wasn't sure just exactly what he meant.



The bearing actually rides on the shaft? That sucks! now I know why Casey is so concerned. Hope this works out ok for him.

Ahhh, I see what you meant.

 

[JFitzgerald]

Basically, it just depends on how much play there is, and how much you use the 4WD. If it's not much, you'll probably be fine. The more that end of the stub shaft can wobble, the more cocked it can get in the locking hub and that will eventually tear up the wimpy aluminum in the locking hub. Had that happen too. Never been too impressed by the strength of locking hubs, except the old Spicer units.



Let us know how things turn out, Smokin' Tuba.

 

[SLO CTD]

That is what I was afraid of. I don't use the 4 wheel drive all that much, but knowing my luck, I'll use it and it will jam up and break the hub. Grr. So, I guess I get knew axle stubs... yay. Can those only be found at the stealer? Or can I go to the local auto parts store and get a couple? Thanks for all the info, I appreciate it. I guess I know what I'll be doing the next several evenings. Thanks again!

 

[JFitzgerald]

I'd be scared to see what the stealer wants for new stubs. I buy mine from the Badlands in IN. Troy has the 35 spline stubs for $75, and I'm pretty sure the 30 splines would cost about the same, maybe less. I'd suggest a mail order place, and ask for Dana (Spicer) parts, not some "off shore" junk. If you want to order from Troy, let me know and I'll get you the contact info.

 

[Bigramguy]

I't won't really cause to much of a problem. I've seen lots of them,not only on dodge's. Unless your hardcore wheelin,it won't hurt it. Just pack it good and full of good grease,along with a new bearing and seal. Clean up the stub shaft with some emery cloth so it's not so rough. It doesn't have to be a really tight fit.



One other thing is to check the axle u-joints,as when they start to go,they put a lot of stress on that little bearing and stub shaft,maybe that's what hurt it.

 

[sandbrew]

TTT for Njord