There's another thread asking about life of our front hubs. In that thread mention is made of greasing the hubs through the ABS sensor.

Would anyone mind explaining and/or posting some pictures on how this is done?

Thanks in advance

 

first off everything I've read is non-conclusive, I have read some say they have 400k on the orig hubs, some have 100k and still caput. I think the variables are so great, driving conditions, weather, load etc, there is no concrete answer.

I have seen pics of people tearing the hubs apart to show where the grease enters, and that its possible to get it to the main bearings.

To insert grease, you need to pull the wheel, rotor, then brake caliper, then brake pads.

On the brake dust shield pull the metal tab back, bend it out of the way, get a allen wrench to remove the screw holding the abs sensor to the hub.
The abs sensor has a rubber o-ring, twist left right and upwards with a pliers, if you damage the o-ring, get another. hope you have another vehicle handy.

ps. this area is prone to rust and dirt accumulation to make sure to air blow everything clean first.

take a grease gun and convert the end to a rubber tip end, like one that blows up a ball, attach to grease gun , insert into abs hole, and grease away, you will need to rotate hub while shooting grease so it distributes it properly.

remember, to much grease isn't good and hard on seals.

reassemble, expect about 1hr work or more.

imo, not worth the effect, but at $245 a hub replacement, for some it might be the ticket.

This has been addressed in the Cummins Q&A live forum, the dodge engineer stated that manufacturer costs is why they are not greaseable. Most 'average' drivers will never wear out the hubs. To me that sounds like a bad excuse, but take it as you may. Best to read that chat yourself and make your own conclusion.

I honestly preferred if they would have done free spinning hubs on 4wd's, that the bearings are bathed in Oil, like a big rig.

 

i got he hubs for 110 a piece from napa, i dont expect them to last, but i need to sve up for the conversion

 

I've been thru two sets of napa's on my 94, they were china made and absolute junk, lifetime warranty was that, replace them after 18k on the first one, 23k on the second. Went to Oriely's, they were usa made and still going great after 58k.

 

Purchased one (driver side) about six months ago from NAPA (SKF brand). Not many miles on it yet... I primarily use the truck to pull our camper a few times a month. I paid about $245 or so. The original had about 80k on it (I expect - I'm the second owner). The passenger side seems fine for now.

While removing the old hub (which was ony making a little noise) I found one of the 3 mounting bolts was not tightened. This could have been the source of the noise... the bearing may be good. It's still sitting on the work bench in case it's needed in the future and funds are short. ;o)

All in all the job took ~45 minutes... and $245! It was a pretty easy change on the 2wd model... looks a little more involved with the 4wd as the axle goes through the hub and is prone to rusting together.

Good luck!

 

John,

Many thanks for the explanation.