Replacing Wheel Hub Assemblies
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: League City, TX
Replacing Wheel Hub Assemblies
What's up truck club?!?! 
I just ordered a set of the Timken hub assemblies from rock auto. These appear to me to be a complete replacement "kit," but I'm curious what else is suggested that I perform while in there? I've been cruising the tech folder for days, and would like to condense my suspicions to a single thread (here in my own if possible.) For example, I see stuff about ESOF locking hubs service/lube, needle bearing service/lube, vacuum leaks, etc. I have also noticed that I'm getting some air coming from defrost vents when that part of the AC system isn't switched on.
I just ordered a set of the Timken hub assemblies from rock auto. These appear to me to be a complete replacement "kit," but I'm curious what else is suggested that I perform while in there? I've been cruising the tech folder for days, and would like to condense my suspicions to a single thread (here in my own if possible.) For example, I see stuff about ESOF locking hubs service/lube, needle bearing service/lube, vacuum leaks, etc. I have also noticed that I'm getting some air coming from defrost vents when that part of the AC system isn't switched on.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
Check your vacuum seal that rides on the axle stub shaft. If it is damaged or dry rotted it should be replaced.
Check the nipple the vacuum attaches to. If rusted, replace.
Check the vacuum line for dry rotting. Replace with silicone line for cheap $.
When you get your new hub, add extra grease to the needle bearings, and pump some high quality grease into the ABS sensor hole until it is full.
Check stub shaft for wear if your previous needle bearings bit the dust.
Check u joints for tightness or rust.
Check the nipple the vacuum attaches to. If rusted, replace.
Check the vacuum line for dry rotting. Replace with silicone line for cheap $.
When you get your new hub, add extra grease to the needle bearings, and pump some high quality grease into the ABS sensor hole until it is full.
Check stub shaft for wear if your previous needle bearings bit the dust.
Check u joints for tightness or rust.
VT Chapter Ldr
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 96,140
Likes: 294
From: Orange, Vermont
I don't know what year your excursion is but be sure you got the correct stud thread for your year. I think 2003 and down is coarse and 2004 and up is fine. I screwed that up when I ordered fine thread stud unit bearing for my 01 excursion. Ended up buying 8 fine thread lug nuts. Now 3 wheels use coarse lug nuts and 1 use fine thread
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Do a full front end inspection and replace all the worn out items.
Ball joints
Tie rod ends
Track bar bushing
Rotors
Brake pads
Slide pins
Steering gear
Pitman arm
Steering dampener
Sway bar links
Leaf spring bushings
Shackle bushings ( frame mounted ones )
Shock absorbers
Bump stops.
Tire pressure ( 50psi if stockish size tires )
Leaf spring ride height. ( stock was 23" from center of hub to bottom of fender lip )
Once you have verified those items are still serviceable or have been replaced have a shop do an alignment and insist they set your caster to 5* minimum, Preferably 5.5* of caster.
Get all that done and your Ex will drive like new. ( probably better with the caster setting )
Ball joints
Tie rod ends
Track bar bushing
Rotors
Brake pads
Slide pins
Steering gear
Pitman arm
Steering dampener
Sway bar links
Leaf spring bushings
Shackle bushings ( frame mounted ones )
Shock absorbers
Bump stops.
Tire pressure ( 50psi if stockish size tires )
Leaf spring ride height. ( stock was 23" from center of hub to bottom of fender lip )
Once you have verified those items are still serviceable or have been replaced have a shop do an alignment and insist they set your caster to 5* minimum, Preferably 5.5* of caster.
Get all that done and your Ex will drive like new. ( probably better with the caster setting )
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
Mine is sitting at left 6.6 and right 7.1 front positive caster with 2* wedges and x codes up front. Straight as an arrow now. Of course also did ATS rears, Bilsteins all around, complete front end rework (tight and fresh), sway bar bushings up front, and Hellwig 7878 out back +++. Zero complaints at this point though I know based on mileage I'll need a steering box in the future.
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