Hate to post again, but my other thread's been up for 2-3 days with no answer, and I need to get this truck back togother...like NOW! LOL. I *think* that the round rubber seal on the backs of the hubs pulled out with that spacer in there, when it all crumbled to the ground. Does that little spacer actually need to space anything out? Or is it solely for pressing up against the hub seal?

Do I need to have that spacer in there? Can I do anything to reseal the back of the hub, squirt some silicon around there or anything?

Thanks.

 

i remember from working @ a tire store that also did front end and brake work that there was something on some dodges where once you had the hub assembly off you had to purchase the whole thing from dodge. The bearing could not be pressed back in or resealed. post some pics and i will tell you if thats what i'm talking about.

 

This here...see on the hub where there looks like there used to be a seal, with a little bit of it remaining?

 

i would take it to a qualified front end shop and see what they would suggest.

 

My money says they would suggest I pay them to replace everything.

 

we used to always give out a little free advice. like "try this and if you have any problems call and make an appointment"

 

Dave, from the rusty appearance of your hub I'd say it is in need of replacement. I had to replace my passenger side last year and it's actually not too bad of a job. I've read of people trying to reinstall their separated hub/bearing assemblies with very little success as the bearing are usually damaged either during the removal/separation or re-installation process.

I found some info on how to use a large socket and the truck's power steering that really helped in removing the hub (after removing the hub retaining bolts from the backside of course). From the pic it's obvious you already have the hub removed; now all you have to do is install a new one. I got one from NAPA that has a lifetime replacement warranty. They're not cheap, seems like it was about $250 or so, but I figured it was better to get one with a lifetime warranty than one with only a year or 2 warranty in case I ever have to do it again. If you'd like the info on "easy" hub removal PM me and I'll get it to you.

Steve

 

Ugh...$500 is NOT something I have right now. I didn't separate the bearings or pry the hubs open or anything so I don't have that problem. I do agree with you that it would probably be worth replacing them when I get the money though. Unfortunately I just really don't have $500 to put towards this. I think I might just wire brush that seam where the little seal was, and try some silicone and see how that works. :lol: They've worked this long with bad seals, I'm sure I can get a few more miles outta them.

Yeah I used that socket trick to pop the hubs out...worked GREAT!

 

Yes you should have the spacer in there , you can get a new one from the dealer , or if you can get the 2 parts to stay in place when you asemble it [ hard enough to do when its one peace] that other -looks like an O-ring to me also replace if you can find one or use old if not [ some good is better than none] next is try to clean the bearing seal between the inside race and rubber part of the seal, maybe start with a seal pick and not force any dirt into the seal then go back over area with rag , to avoid any dirt getting in .

 

Replace it now, or in the very near future, you cannot put silicone there, the pieces don't move as one piece and would tear up the silicone. With that seal gone you will be filling the bearing with dirt, water, snow, salt, etc. depending on where you live. It will grind itself to pieces in short order!! Sorry.

 

couldn't it eventually grind away at the splines on the axle?

 

NO, axle seals against the inside hub, the dirt will get between the two races.

 

I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth. The dealer has the spacers for $10 each. I'll get those. However they didn't show anything in the parts breakdown about that seal. Guess it's part of the hub assembly that pulled out with the spacer. When I get new parts, I'm going to put a light coat of grease on the seal so it does not pull out with the spacer like it did this time!

Appreciate the advice, unfortunately I don't have the moola for hubs right now, so I'm going to just have to pray for the best on this. Is Napa the cheapest place for hubs?

Thanks again!

 

Generally from what I have seen yes, I have replaced a bunch of them-too many!!

 

Should have listened.