Fellers,

Got some questions about my DD. I think my unit bearings might be crapping out on me, but hear me out:

I can't generate any movement in the tire itself, except for a little bit of play in my lower balljoint. BUT...If I remove my lockhout hub, I have almost 1/8" of play in the end of the stub shaft. If i grab the ujoint and the end of the stub shaft, I can wiggle the thing around all over the place. Do these crazy unit-hub-sealed bearings also provide the race for the stub shaft? If I have play, do I still have to replace the damn 300 dollar unit bearing?

Also, is there a bearing in the end of the axle tube on the inner shaft? or just a dust seal?

thanks,
paul

There is only a dust seal at the end of the axle tube. the unit bearings do not provide a race for the stub. have you checked the plastic washer? It may have eaten itself. When your unit bearing finally crap out, you will start to get into the caliper.

alright. the unit bearing has a bearing for the axle shaft:

http://guzzle.rbmicro.com/pics/nb18a.jpg


my understanding is that the hub seal is a very tight fit onto the axle shaft and into the knuckle....so wtf? what holds the axleshaft in place if its not the unit hub? just a seal? that seems nuts...

where is said plastic washer? I noticed I have a plastic/rubber ring around the outer side of my u-joint that looks like it used to be attached to something?


the more i read about these things the less I understand them. too bad that damn dynatrac kit just isn't cost effective for a DD.

thanks for the help,
Paul

the plastic washer was one of 3 washers you took off the stub after you pulled the lockout.

havne't pulled those washers yet, i snagged that pic off the net. I think this weekend I'll yank the hub and see if i can't find something. thanks.

That rubber ring by your ujoint is the old outer axle seal for the housing. They are pretty much worthless even when new.