Im having front end problems. A month or so ago my front U-joints started getting really sloppy. Its not the actual U-joints, its the axel shafts. It was so messed up that they started hitting the spindles. So my first thought was wheel bearings. So thats what I replaced first. When I was doing that I realized how bad the front warn hubs were. So I replaced those too. Right after the install it seemed better. I got the wheels back on and the u joints were tight. Then I took a drive and it got bad again. So I took it all apart again and the inner bearings of the wheel bearing assembelies were completely gone. (just like the old ones) AND the axel shafts had slid in, toward the differential, so that the gear in the hub was no longer holding the shaft centered and tight. The lock ring on the inside of the hub had slipped over its ridge. So now I'm stuck. No idea what to do. Ive ruined 500 bucks of wheel bearing assemblies. What I need to know is: what holds the half shafts(correct term for the axels?) in their place besides the little lock ring inside the hub. There is obviously some inner seal to keep the fluid in.
Also, I opened the front diff cover and there was no metal in the fluid. It doesn't appear like anything is wrong. But I'm obvioulsy not an expert.

PLEASE HELP!! you guys are the best.

 

I'm not an expert on axles, but I would think it's time to pull the axle shaft and see if their bent. Spinning around with a bad bearing might have warped them. That could explain what happened to the new bearings.

 

For $10 a side, you can get replacement inner axle bearings (inside the unit hub) at napas, so not all is lost. Also, I see you have warn hubs. When you pull them off, is there still a C clip, infront of a couple washers, holding the stub shaft (half shaft is a fwd term IIRC) from sliding inward? I have installed warn hubs on another truck, but its been a few years, i dont remember if they replace that, and the c clip is on the outside of the aluminum "guts" of the hub or not. There MUST be something to hold the axle shaft outward. Ill go get pics (oem hubs come off so fast haha) of the washers/c clip im refering to.

 

Heres a picture of the origional setup, with the 3 washers, and c clip. Ill go check out warns site, see if i can dig up some instructions and see if they say to leave them there, or install the clip on the outside of the aluminum center that goes in the hub.

EDIT: The part I showed in the picture should still be existing. The aluminum center part is held in by another clip were the origional hub retainer went. I hope you still have the washers/c clip in my picture.

 

Thanks so much for responding. Yes the c clip comes with the new warn hubs. I installed it just like it is in the picture, but that when I go and drive it that clip slides out. The grove or notch for that clip is rounded off somwhat, but it still looks like it will hold.
I will check today to see if the axel shaft is bent. It didnt' appear so but I'll get a straight edge and find out. Good idea.

 

So basically Im wondering if that c clip is all that holds the axel stubbs from sliding? Or is there another clip in the differential or something?

 

No c clips in the diff. The one on the stub shaft is the only one. Im guessing if your stub area is worn and causing the c clip to slide off, then you will probably need stubs, because that clip is important. Otherwise put the oem hubs back on. (cheaper if you still have them)

 

Rebel and excavator, if he replaced unit bearing it comes with new needle bearing, and it should not be worn out yet, and i doubt if the axel is bent. That locking ring should not pop out of the grove unless those four studs that hold unit bearing on are loose or not pulled up tight. Another thing deep mud and water is hard on this stuff.

 

I understand that, but he said they are toast already, and it sounded like he replaced the whole unit hub last time. But the inner axle one is replaceable, and $10 which is significantly less. I think his issue is the snap ring / c clip that holds the stub shaft outward, towards the hub.

 

Thanks for the help. I think we might have solved it. Where is the best place to buy the axel stubs? And I think I should replace the 4 studs that hold the wheel bearing assembelies on because the threads are getting worn out... Is that a ford only part or should I be able to duplicate it at the hardware store?

 

Those four studs are a Ford item, and they're about four bucks apiece.

A very wise investment when replacing hubs, too, as they're really difficult to remove from the old hubs. Everybody just re-uses the nuts, however.

Pop

 

Stubs are more then likely a dealer item. I usually use two nuts, and an airgun, and wrench to "lock nut" the nuts together on the studs, back them out, and then re-install onto the next one. I have yet to purchase studs.

EDIT: Lock the nuts together BEFORE the first one tightens against the portion that the stud bolts into. Otherwise your just adding resistance. Not something I would attempt without air tools, least IMO

 

okay. Will do. Thanks a million guys. If it doesn't work you will hear about it.