Pics of possible damage to DS spindle.

[Hog Head]

PS was definately damaged and I have a new one from Dan. I finally got the time to rebuild the front axle and I found that the DS spindle is pitted and where the bearing rides, has worn into the spindle. The wheel bearings had been replaced with Timken bearings, but the trunion bearings are Koyo and appear to be the originals.

Tell me what you think about what you see in the pics. The third pic shows where the inner race has worn into the spindle.

I bought the truck at 148k. Is it possible that the axle has never been rebuilt? My gut tells me to replace it! What do you think?

 

[RavenTai]

can you catch a fingernail on the edge of the worn area or does it feel flat and just look bad?

 

[-Spike-]

No thinking required. You want to worry about that later? Replace it.

-Spike

 

[Texican]

As long as you can't feel it, or as RavenTai says run it, that looks like an overheated bearing at some point, if you can polish it with emory cloth, it is for sure OK

 

[Brian Macgyver]

If you are anal, replace the part. I have been in the biz a long time and am of the opinion that this is not rocket science. Minor damage to machined surfaces is inevitable over time. I have dealt with trucks in excess of 300,000 miles. I am not a fan of polishing such a surface. The designed diameter of the surface has already been degraded somewhat. Polishing will further reduce the diameter from the factory spec. This will add to slop in the fit of the bearing.
This condition results from movement of the inner bearing race due to lack of lubrication. Movement of the inner race causes this. To prevent movement the bearing must fit tightly and be well lubed. Reducing the diameter will increase bearing movement. Scaling of the surface, while not perfect, tends to help to prevent movement. I would install new bearings with a strong water-proof grease and hope for the best. If it doesn't work out, what are you out? Two bearings, a seal and the spindle that you would have replaced anyway.

 

[Brian Macgyver]

P.S.
The main question to ask in any maintence situation is "will a possible failure prevent me from driving out of a remote area?" If you can drive home, it's all good.
Light to moderate surface damage to a spindle has not stranded anyone to date. Most trucks with mileage on them have some damage in this area. It is normal. Upgraded lubricants are key here. I mhave run trucks over 100,000 miles on spindles much rougher than the ones that you picture.

 

[stayalert]

"Is it possible that the axle has never been rebuilt?"


I'd venture to say its likely that it was never serviced/rebuilt.

Personally I could go either way on spoindel replacement I'd have to have it my greasy little paws to decide. How much is a spindle? result of prior poor adjustment?

 

[stayalert]

"Is it possible that the axle has never been rebuilt?"


I'd venture to say its probable that it was never serviced/rebuilt.

Personally I could go either way on spoindel replacement I'd have to have it my greasy little paws to decide. How much is a spindle? result of prior poor adjustment?

 

[Hog Head]

can you catch a fingernail on the edge of the worn area or does it feel flat and just look bad?

RavenTai,

Yes, you can catch a fingernail on it.

Gene

 

[Hog Head]

No thinking required. You want to worry about that later? Replace it.

-Spike

Spike,

Thats what I was thinking. I just wanted to get some input from you guys here.

Gene

 

[Hog Head]

"Is it possible that the axle has never been rebuilt?"


I'd venture to say its likely that it was never serviced/rebuilt.

Personally I could go either way on spoindel replacement I'd have to have it my greasy little paws to decide. How much is a spindle? result of prior poor adjustment?

stayalert,

The felt wiper was rusted to the back of the knuckle. Thats why I asked if it was possible if the axle could have gone 148k without service. I just got a new spindle from Dan for the PS. The inner lock nut was loose and the star washer had not been bent over it. It was the same for the DS. Cost for a new spindle is $198.51 from Dan.

As someone asked in another reply, yes I am anal ( at least my wife says so).

Gene

 

[wildsmith]

I had a spindle worn perhaps a bit worse than that which I cleaned up as best I could but it just kept eating bearings till I put a new spindle on.

Jon.

 

[Hog Head]

I just ordered a second spindle which will be here on Monday. This is getting a little a little spendy for an axle service. It's worth it though.

The truck pulling to the right has been an on-going problem. Could these worn spindles and bearings be the cause?

Gene

 

[IdahoDoug]

Obviously can't be there to feel it, but it does not LOOK unusable. My rears had a mark/lip like that from towing and should have repacked/tightened the bearings earlier. No problems.

DougM

 

[Hog Head]

Obviously can't be there to feel it, but it does not LOOK unusable. My rears had a mark/lip like that from towing and should have repacked/tightened the bearings earlier. No problems.

DougM

Doug,

I discovered the PS was bad the first week of Feb. when I took it apart to do an emergency repack due to the tire rocking back and forth at 6 & 12. Now that the axle is disassembled I saw how bad it really is. The lip is sharper and protrudes more than the DS in the pics. You can definately catch a nail on both spindles.

The bronze bushings are also showing uneven wear.

I can only assume that all of this relates to poor maintainence by the PO and the inner hub nuts being loose plus the star washer not bent over them on both sides.

My wife complained a little when I said I needed another spindle but stopped when I said that the only other truck (a 2006 F350 Crew Cab Lariat with a Power Stroke) I would want would cost five times more than what I paid for the Cruiser.

Gene

 

[Hog Head]

I just don't feel comfortable putting them back on the truck in the condition they are in. It seems like it would be a waste of time to have to do this all over again in a few thousand miles if they were to cause any problems down the road. I guess I'll have a couple of emergency spares if I need them.

By the way, the new spindle has needle bearings inside with a bronze bushing on the outside. Dan says they are new and improved.

Gene

 

[IdahoDoug]

Yeah, those new spindles with the actual bearings (way upgraded over the bushings) are sweet. Should pretty much do everything better - even should impact birfield life by better supporting the stub axle which the bushing allows to move around. An excellent investment when you consider a single monthly car payment on the Ford would be north of $600 and the depreciation as you leave the lot would be around $3000....

DougM

 

[Hog Head]

Yeah, those new spindles with the actual bearings (way upgraded over the bushings) are sweet. Should pretty much do everything better - even should impact birfield life by better supporting the stub axle which the bushing allows to move around. An excellent investment when you consider a single monthly car payment on the Ford would be north of $600 and the depreciation as you leave the lot would be around $3000....

DougM

Doug,

I think the wife is coming around to the idea that the Cruiser is cheaper. As long as she knows it's necessary she doesn't complain too much. Now I need a way to sell her on the idea that a lift, ARB, Warn 12000, Slee rear bumper, etc, etc is necessary!