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Bearings or something else?

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Old Jan 5, 2013 | 11:05 PM
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Bearings or something else?

Hey guys,

today I was installing a new shock mount on my front axle. I had my front drivers side wheel jack up, and noticed a wobble at the hub. I thought it was a loose axle nut, so I pulled the locking hub, and put my axle nut socket on it, but the nut was tight. I took some videos. Is this bad bearings? The axle was supposedly rebuilt when I bought it, and it seems to have been based on the appearance of the visible parts and the receipts I got from the PO. I am new to the straight front axle world, so any advice would be appreciated.

Here a videos from two angles.

Dana 60 loose hub - YouTube

Dana 60 Loose hub 2 - YouTube

Thanks in advance,

Mac.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2013 | 11:11 PM
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From: Mi'kma'ki
yup.bearings are shot Mac.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2013 | 11:29 PM
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Yeah that what I figured, at least its a relatively easy and inexpensive fix. I checked the other hub and it had no wobble but a little bit of brake drag.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2013 | 12:36 AM
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From: Mi'kma'ki
yeah its not too bad.both sides should be done at the same time.inners and outers new races and seals.some grease if you don't have some on hand already.adds up,but nothing too serious.
it's the ball joints or kin pins and tie rods that make ya smile about being all fresh already.thats the real money and work part.
compared to messing with that stuff,your just playing.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2013 | 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by akamacgyver
Hey guys,

today I was installing a new shock mount on my front axle. I had my front drivers side wheel jack up, and noticed a wobble at the hub. I thought it was a loose axle nut, so I pulled the locking hub, and put my axle nut socket on it, but the nut was tight. I took some videos. Is this bad bearings? The axle was supposedly rebuilt when I bought it, and it seems to have been based on the appearance of the visible parts and the receipts I got from the PO. I am new to the straight front axle world, so any advice would be appreciated.

Here a videos from two angles.

Dana 60 loose hub - YouTube

Dana 60 Loose hub 2 - YouTube

Thanks in advance,

Mac.
Which kind of nuts on the axel? The spring loded one or the two nut ones? If you have the 2 nut ones, you have to remove the outer lock nut, and the disc with the holes in it, to tighten the inner one that sets the preload on the bearing. Most of the 60s have the 2 nut design.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2013 | 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by farmert
Which kind of nuts on the axel? The spring loded one or the two nut ones? If you have the 2 nut ones, you have to remove the outer lock nut, and the disc with the holes in it, to tighten the inner one that sets the preload on the bearing. Most of the 60s have the 2 nut design.
I was thinking the same thing. However, if its been run with the bearings loose for a while, theres a good chance they've accumulated significant wear. Cheap fix, take it apart, visually inspect the bearings and races for wear, if they look ok, tighten it up correctly and run like that.
Best fix, new bearings on that side. I can't think of any reason to replace the other side if they are in good shape. But definitely check the other side for proper preload in case they screwed up both sides.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2013 | 11:09 AM
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You see that is why I posted here! I was not aware of the two nuts. I just put the socket on the outer nut! I was thinking when I did it... There should be something keeping this nut from moving! I'll check her out again today. It is an 88 Kingpin 60. I'm glad I posted this. I think I have about 2k mi. on the hub. (IDK exactly how many miles the PO put on it) The other side was definitely not loose, but might be a little tight, or there is some brake drag. I'll pull it apart and adjust it too.

Thanks again for the input,

Mac
 
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Old Jan 6, 2013 | 11:17 AM
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Wow someone else had a Dana 60 question and a respondant posted this article. Talk about informative. My brain is swimming!

Pirate4x4.Com - Extreme Four Wheel Drive
 
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Old Jan 6, 2013 | 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by akamacgyver
Wow someone else had a Dana 60 question and a respondant posted this article. Talk about informative. My brain is swimming!

Pirate4x4.Com - Extreme Four Wheel Drive
Yah that was me, I didn't remember about that until reading the other post.

Unfortunately, a bunch of the links at the top (including the service manual) don't seem to be working anymore. Buts its got a boatload of info, and a second page with even more!
 
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Old Jan 6, 2013 | 08:05 PM
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Cool guys,

I pulled the hub apart and removed the outside bearing nut and washer and sure enough the inner nut was loose. The bearings were just a little sloppy, but no scoring or wear, so I put it back together and she's tight as a drum again.

Thanks again,

Mac.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2013 | 09:34 PM
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From: Mi'kma'ki
haha slick.you can't beat easy fixes.
so what's the story? the earlier axles don't have a locking nut for the hubs?
the warn manual locking hubs have a very simplistic and safe setup.a washer with a tit so it can't spin,and holes in the washer that a pin goes through so the actual inner nut can't move anywhere.the outer simply holds the locking washer in place so that can't come forward.
maybe a safety upgrade to update to this style i speak of?
 
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Old Jan 6, 2013 | 11:26 PM
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I the last one to ask about 4x4 stuff. being from SO Cal, 4x4 was for guys with low self esteem! LOL This is the first turning front axle I have played with. It was pretty simple after I knew how it worked.
 
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Old Apr 14, 2013 | 09:00 AM
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Hey mac, its been a couple months, hows that bearing feel now?

Reason I ask... just brought my truck in for inspection, failed for play in left front wheel. Went right home, opened it up, sure enough the bearings were loose (ironic that I posted the fix, then it happens to my truck...) The outer looked fine, couldn't really inspect the inner because the seal blocks it in, but it felt fine spinning it. Both are quality Timken parts, so I'm hoping for the best after tightening it to spec again.

I can think two things right now, either I messed up in when I swapped the rotors at the beginning of September and didn't tighten it enough, or the bearings are going. I'll have to keep an eye on it and see what happens. Turns out I have to tear it apart anyways as the spring behind the seal had broken so that will need replacing.
Just wish I had a second vehicle so I could pull it apart and really look at the bearing, don't feel like spending the money if I don't need it, and I'd rather not cheap out on bearings.
 
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