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Hey fellas, I took off my auto hubs, brakes and bearings and I will be installing manual hubs, new rotors/pads and inner and outer wheel bearings. I noticed something on the passenger side spindle that looks like either damage or deterioration. I couldn't tell if the spots were raised spots(material baked onto the spindle) or low spots(material missing), but after a little light brushing with brass, it appears to be the coating coming off. I assume this is where the inner bearing rides, but I could be wrong. If y'all could look at these 2 pics and tell me what you think, I'd appreciate it. I could smooth it out a bit, but I don't wana remove any more material if it's gonna cause problems. I also don't wana go any further with the install if the spindle is compromised. Do y'all think the spindle needs replacing? What could've caused this?
I'm not super familiar with how the bearings work on the front of these trucks, but if the bearings have their own inner race, I wouldn't worry about it. If the bearings use the spindle as the inner race, junk the spindle and get a new one.
Looks like a not-so-freshly-baked coating of grease to me. You won't hurt a hardened steel spindle with a brass brush and since it's coming off that way, that right there says it's just some crud that got cooked on there.
Looks like a not-so-freshly-baked coating of grease to me. You won't hurt a hardened steel spindle with a brass brush and since it's coming off that way, that right there says it's just some crud that got cooked on there.
Thats what i thought too but its not raised, the spots are lowered. I hit a spot with the brass brush and i could swear i made another spot. It appears to be material coming off. I just dont know if there is some kinda coating on this area or if its actually steel coming off. I am sure its not grease though
Almost looks like some sort of plating, but yes, that is corrosion. Been wheeling in deep mud and water? The bearing rides on the smooth portion just inboard of this area and the seal rides on the larger machined area just behind that. I don't think there is enough damage here to compromise structure, so go ahead, clean it off and use it.
Almost looks like some sort of plating, but yes, that is corrosion. Been wheeling in deep mud and water? The bearing rides on the smooth portion just inboard of this area and the seal rides on the larger machined area just behind that. I don't think there is enough damage here to compromise structure, so go ahead, clean it off and use it.
I agree 100%......it looks like a small bit of corrosion from moisture. That is why I use a thin film of grease on the entire spindle.
I'd say hit it with a brass brush to get most of the corrosion off and then coat it with a thin layer of grease, repack all the bearings, reinstall and forget about it!
I'd say hit it with a brass brush to get most of the corrosion off and then coat it with a thin layer of grease, repack all the bearings, reinstall and forget about it!
Well thats my plan, but if it is corrosion, I just dont want to cover it up and have it continue to corrode until I end up with a real problem. If I take some emory cloth or a brass brush to it and clean it up as best as possible, isnt there still a great chance that the corrosion will continue? Or if I take it down a level and recoat it with grease, should it be ok? I guess the real question is...does anything ride on that particular part of the spindle? If not, then I should be able to clean it up and grease it and it should be fine.
Sorry, I should have been more clear. The areas where the bearings ride look like they're just covered in hardened grease. The pitting in the center ain't nothing to worry bout, just clean it up shiny bright and throw a coating of grease all over it to try and keep the moisture out as much as possible.
Hubs should be serviced fairly often, and as soon as possible if they go for a swim. Just be glad we have old school hubs. On new trucks the stupid things are "sealed" (yeah right) and once dirt and water get in they're done for.
In my opinion the pitting is minor. There are no bearings riding in that area. Hit it up with a brush for a light cleaning, grease it a bit, then call it day. Quit worrying.
