Hi all,

I recently pulled my front auto hub to check it, had vacuum problems. The vacuum problem is figured out, but I did find another problem I think. When I pulled the hub lock, the nut inside was loose. Loose enough it is not engaging any threads. The clip is still there, and my 4WD seems to be OK, albeit with getting out and manually locking them up.

The wheel is being driven, and I get some more vibration and noise. Other than that, nothing real eventful has happened, but yet would be the key term here.

Any thoughts as what to look for before I rip into it?

Thanks,
Digger

 

I believe what you are looking at is not a nut but part of a set of 3 thrust washers. There are no threads on the stub axle and no thread on the "nut". As long as you do not have an excessive amount of in/out axle movement, it is probably fine.

 

Well, I will start out with Whew! Not a lot of play at all. I will keep going with I feel like a complete moron.

I am getting more vibration now from that hub when I either gas it, or the exhaust brake kicks in. If I just hold the truck at a steady speed, it isnt nearly as loud.

I am likely going to replace the hub bearing and ball joints when I get into it. I need to replace the yellow O ring anyway, and with 243K, it needs ball joints. Any idea what the vibration might be. Seems to very high "pitched", like a high frequency in my foot when it is on the pedal or floorboard.

Thanks Guzzle!

 

It sure sounds as if you have an impending main hub failure. With the wheel jacked up, can you feel movement when you try moving the tire side to side and top/bottom in and out? If so, you may want to look closer to see if it is ball joint slop or bearing slop.

Block the truck and use good jack stands!

 

there's a thread started yesterday for new hub units on CL in southern MI. May save you some $$

 

Cool Guzzle, will do. I figured as much, but it always helps to see it here to confirm.

Mike, what is CL?

 

Duh.

Never mind Mike, I got it through my skull. Thanks!