what to do? Squeeky steering drop axle (hot hub)

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Rolling18, Jun 22, 2018.

  1. Rolling18

    Rolling18 Light Load Member

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    Dec 11, 2008
    Portland, OR
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    Disclaimer* NEwbee O/O here 1st truck 530K

    my 07 KW w900 dump started a rythmic squeeky sound on one wheel of the first of 2 drop steering axles.
    When I checked it a mile down the road the hub was hot so I stopped using it by raising it.

    This hub does NOT have a window to check oil level, but the center plug does look dried out/ very faded red.
    I plan on having all the hubs serviced as im sure the others are not far behind, Id prefer to do it myself as I am fairly good mechanicly...

    what level of service will this require?
    Can only a shop fix it?

    Thank you!
     
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  3. A5¢

    A5¢ Medium Load Member

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    If you could please post a picture, that would help. The ones that I used to have, we're just a heavy duty, over sized boat trailer hub that had a wet bearing. I used to use a large ChannelLock pliars to remove the nut, after bending back the lock ring. If it got hot, then the bearings are going bad. Tear it down, look through the oil and get all of the schrapnel out. I used to pressure wash the insides to be sure it was clean. Inspect where the bearings seat the axle. I hen reassemble.

    But ding the rest would be a great idea. That way you know that all of them were done at the same time. Feel the hub several times a day to make sure all is well.
     
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  4. Rolling18

    Rolling18 Light Load Member

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    Dec 11, 2008
    Portland, OR
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    Hi thanks for the reply!!
    So I removed the old rubber plug.. NO OIL / Grease in 3 of the 4!!!!
    luckily, no metallic shavings they may be savable and just need refilling and re-torquing the bearings.

    what gear oil should i use?
    thanks again!! IMG_20180622_124717.jpg IMG_20180622_181546.jpg
     
  5. mslashbar

    mslashbar Medium Load Member

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    Jul 22, 2009
    elizabeth,co
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    That needs a lot more than oil and retorquing. Looks like water got in there with all the rust. It needs to be pulled completely apart and cleaned up. Probably need to replace bearings and races if they're rusty.
     
  6. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    Yup that hub and bearing is pretty much done for. Should rebuild all 4 of them ASAP before they lock up and repairs get really really spendy.
     
  7. lwlevens

    lwlevens Medium Load Member

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    Feb 9, 2018
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    Agree^^^^ I would take it apart clean them up or replace.
     
  8. Rolling18

    Rolling18 Light Load Member

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    Dec 11, 2008
    Portland, OR
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    welp you all prolly know more than me.
    so I'll do that and just not use them until fixed..

    Ill be using Lucas "Hub oil" once all replaced....thoughts on that?
     
  9. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    You said 3 of the 4 we're grease.
    That hub cap in your hand is a oil hubcap.
    Trailer Axle oil doesn't really matter what brand. As long as it is the proper viscosity.
    I won't use anything branded Lucas.
    I don't pay extra for a name tag.
     
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  10. Rolling18

    Rolling18 Light Load Member

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    Dec 11, 2008
    Portland, OR
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    sorry I meant Oil... only one had any oil left in it.
    these 4 are steerable drop axles on a Dump truck (heavy use / abuse)
    I don't favor a brand that just all the local truck stop has.
    the Lucas does not list a oil weight/ viscosity
    would you put an additave to the "hub Oil"??
     
  11. spsauerland

    spsauerland Road Train Member

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    May 31, 2010
    West Harrison, In
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    Watson Chalin 8k lift axles from pictures I assume= high maintenance. P/N... Inner bearing is JM207049a and JM207010. Outer bearing is 25877 and 25820. Wheel seal is 28758. Adjusting nut kit with both nuts and washers is P/N KIT 14001. Hubcap gasket is 453868 and hubcap kit is CR1608. Took picture of bearing adjustment procedure. I always shoot for 0.0005 endplay on them. We found you have to recheck them often and had best luck using 75w90 synthetic and adding motorkote to them. Also, put some grease on bearing cone ID where it rides on spindle to reduce fretting.
     

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