Wheel bearing going out, questions about hubs.

[ChaseRallix]

So, recently I started hearing what sounds like my driver side front wheel bearing going out. I've been looking at replacing my manually locking hubs anyway so I figured I may as well do that. Question is do the hubs come with new bearings or are the bearings somewhere further back? I have a 8 lug dana 44  44-9F which I believe would have come over a 70s f250 (correct me if I'm wrong please) My other question is what spline count would that have or how do I tell? I'm looking at getting the warn premium locking hubs. Do I need to buy anything else when I swap them over?

To summarize

Do the hubs come with bearings?

What year do you think my axle is from?

What's the spline count?

Anything else I should buy?

Thanks guys!

 

[Elmo]

The hubs is not where the bearings live. The hubs are what connect the end of axel shaft to the brake rotor. the bearings are further in there. Remove the hub to expose the bearing retaining nut assembly, always replace bearings and bearing race together( as a pair).  The spline count I dont know about except to remove the hub and count

 

[ChaseRallix]

Okay got it, so replace hubs and replace bearing and race.

 

[Elmo]

Well thats all up to you ofcourse. i like my auto hubs. I considered swapping to MileMarker or Warn manuals but really have no reason to yet. The bearings I would remove clean inspect and repack or replace depending on how they look.

 

[ChaseRallix]

After doing some research it seems I have a 1978+ Dana 44 from a f250 in the front. I think the bearing is going out because I'll hear a sort of grinding sound every now and again and it's worrying me so I'm going to take it apart and get new ones just in case. Is there a DIY on this forum on how to change wheel bearings?

 

[ChaseRallix]

So at about 12:46 in the video is this that the wheel bearing? sitting back there

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VMEb1YV5U8

 

[Bully Bob]

Hi Chase..,

The hubs & bearings are pretty easy to do.  The important thing is to re-assemble in the right order & facing

the correct way. I lay out a clean towel & place things as removed.., face up. Notes &/or pics can help.

Cleaning solvent & rags are needed.

Buying the $15 book at auto parts is a big help.

Having said that.., there's a chance your problem MAY be deeper than the bearings.  Such as the axle u-joints.

You may be well served putting the front on jack stands.  Looking thru the knuckle you should be able to see the

u-joints. Spin-n-turn the tire while watching the joint..., while stopped, try wiggling the joint with a screwdriver, 

looking for slop/loseness. If they're good, no need to go in any further than bearings. However, good time to

check the ball joints by pulling the tire toward you fr. the bottom. If those joints are sloppy.., you know what

to do.

ALSO.., you can go to an alignment shop.., sometimes they will insp. the ball joints & u-joints for free.

In otherwords, they would insp. & give you a quote for free or a small fee.

Point being, they will have you come out & view any problems. they see.

 

[miesk5]

yo Chase,

Description & Operation, Diagnosis & Testing, Disassembly & Assembly, Removal & Installation & Specifications
Source: by Dana via

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:6GqW2DKOvH8J:thedieselfiles.com/Ford/Dana%252044_50%2520Front%2520Axles.pdf+ford+5+*****+auto+hub+operation&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESggAZy2a56qxexjBqTiTrQitRL3t9JTT3FjKPErkDkBmMwGvt9xTOrADYOffiQq2ql2DvVMsb5eVkJS8RI_Pwk7con8uBZF5jVKOl74Hwm-N084g52MTThwktK5pKYpILsYZFyW&sig=AHIEtbRfIwwKFDbE6M5_peDBWAD-y-dRjA

See This Fig. 2 on page 15-34-2



Is this what your have?

Go through this Dana Parts Break-Out Diagrams, Bronco & Ford Trucks w/ Auto & Manual Locking Hubs & BoM; 6 MB PDF;

http://www2.dana.com/pdf/X510-9.pdf

How To Identify A Spicer Axle, Page X510-9

See Bill of Material Numerical Listing

select, such as 610069 FORD 44 Front 1979 F-250

Model 44 /216 IFS Front 1980-1996 1/2 Pages 95-110

Model 44 /216 Front 1979 Pages 125-128