Ford SuperDuty locking hubs...

JeffK5 · 11-18-2009, 05:17 PM

The unit bearing isn't serviceable..so it can't be loose. If the big ass nut on back is moving around don't drive it...had a hub assy. lock up on me going 40+ mph couple weeks ago , scary to say the least. I wouldn't drive it without a hub.. stub will shake like crazy.

I've put eight unit assemblies on my current 00 F350 PSD over the years...if I could do it again I'd ditch the D50 or at least the non-serviceable bearing hubs and go with the Dynatrac eliminator kit.

The noise description sounds like when my buddies 01 F250 lost a front pinion bearing.. turns out his front D-shaft turned more than he knew in 2wd.

WrenchMonkey · 11-19-2009, 12:21 AM

Well, it doesn't have a big hub nut, like my XJ does. The Ford just has a snap ring and three thrust washers.

No bigass nut on the back, either, so I guess I'm not sure what you're talking about there...

I doubt it's the pinion, I tried engaging the t-case again today and it definitely quieted down. I'd think a pinion bearing would get worse when driven.

I guess I've convinced myself it is the selectable hubs. Maybe I'll swap em left-for-right to check, before I drop the coin on new ones.

Hell, maybe I'll open em back up, and see if I can just change the bearing...

Thanks!

Robert

hotrod · 11-19-2009, 08:17 AM

just take off the snap ring and remove them, the hub is held on by the 4 studs on the back, should be ok for a short test
ive heard that the bearing packs are $400 each, hope thats not what it is, but like you said you can switch just about everything side to side to see

itbrokeagain · 11-19-2009, 12:18 PM

I know the PCV valves in the gas engines are good for making a humming sound when they go bad. Dont know about diesel though. Just a thought.

Coppertop · 11-19-2009, 05:47 PM

Robert,Have you tried getting all four wheels off the ground and running it in gear?

Humming sound,Sounds like a bearing.. Don't blame ya on not wanting to throw anymore parts at it till you know for sure.

I'm home sunday,will be in the garage till the game starts (4:15PM). Stop over ,I got enough jack stands to get her of the ground.

Your welcome to stay for the game.

Nick

Go Bengals! WHO-DEY!!!

11-19-2009, 12:21 AM	#2
WrenchMonkey Mechanical Animal - CORE Member - - Moderator - Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Beechmont Posts: 1,883	Well, it doesn't have a big hub nut, like my XJ does. The Ford just has a snap ring and three thrust washers. No bigass nut on the back, either, so I guess I'm not sure what you're talking about there... I doubt it's the pinion, I tried engaging the t-case again today and it definitely quieted down. I'd think a pinion bearing would get worse when driven. I guess I've convinced myself it is the selectable hubs. Maybe I'll swap em left-for-right to check, before I drop the coin on new ones. Hell, maybe I'll open em back up, and see if I can just change the bearing... Thanks! Robert __________________ DIRTY DEEDS, DONE DIRT CHEAP Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stranger

11-19-2009, 08:17 AM	#3
hotrod Diesel guy Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bridgetown Posts: 241	just take off the snap ring and remove them, the hub is held on by the 4 studs on the back, should be ok for a short test ive heard that the bearing packs are $400 each, hope thats not what it is, but like you said you can switch just about everything side to side to see __________________ 2013 RZR S

11-19-2009, 12:18 PM	#4
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	I know the PCV valves in the gas engines are good for making a humming sound when they go bad. Dont know about diesel though. Just a thought. __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.

11-19-2009, 05:47 PM	#5
Coppertop XJWHEELING Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Colerain Township Posts: 837	Robert,Have you tried getting all four wheels off the ground and running it in gear? Humming sound,Sounds like a bearing.. Don't blame ya on not wanting to throw anymore parts at it till you know for sure. I'm home sunday,will be in the garage till the game starts (4:15PM). Stop over ,I got enough jack stands to get her of the ground. Your welcome to stay for the game. Nick Go Bengals! WHO-DEY!!! __________________ Just a 200 dollar cherokee that wouldn't start .. Ten years later same chrome grille ..

11-18-2009, 05:17 PM	#1
JeffK5 Tiny Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Colerain Posts: 798	The unit bearing isn't serviceable..so it can't be loose. If the big ass nut on back is moving around don't drive it...had a hub assy. lock up on me going 40+ mph couple weeks ago , scary to say the least. I wouldn't drive it without a hub.. stub will shake like crazy. I've put eight unit assemblies on my current 00 F350 PSD over the years...if I could do it again I'd ditch the D50 or at least the non-serviceable bearing hubs and go with the Dynatrac eliminator kit. The noise description sounds like when my buddies 01 F250 lost a front pinion bearing.. turns out his front D-shaft turned more than he knew in 2wd.