Big Time Rust Question
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New User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4
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Big Time Rust Question
I have a ’97 Ford F250 Heavy Duty 4X4. I recently took it into the dealer to get it aligned and they keep calling me with findings of rust. It started with all four bearings in the front end being completely rusted out and needing replacement, then the locking hubs were falling apart because they were completely rusted out.
I purchased the truck about a year ago in Colorado. I pulled a car fax report when I bought it and it was originally purchased somewhere back east.
Is it normal for rust to be inside the hubs and bearings? Also, how does this happen, aren’t they sealed?
Any help would be appreciated, I don’t want to be taken for a fool.
Thanks.
I purchased the truck about a year ago in Colorado. I pulled a car fax report when I bought it and it was originally purchased somewhere back east.
Is it normal for rust to be inside the hubs and bearings? Also, how does this happen, aren’t they sealed?
Any help would be appreciated, I don’t want to be taken for a fool.
Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 828
Likes: 3
From: Baltimore
It sounds to me like that truck was run through some deep water at some point in its life. If I remember correctly, Ford recommends cleaning and repacking the wheel bearings as soon as possible after any deep water forging. You should also check the rears as they may have water in them too.
- ron
- ron
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 828
Likes: 3
From: Baltimore
How does this happen? Typically, the wheel bearings get at least a little warm when the truck is being driven on or off road. That means that the entire hub assembly gets warm. Then, when the hubs are submerged in water, they cool off rapidly and a vacuum is created inside the hubs. If the vacuum is strong enough, the water is sucked into the hub. This has long been a problem with boat trailers that don't have pressurized hubs.
- ron
- ron
