Wheel Seal: Service and Repair

The recommended wheel bearing lubricant is lithium-base grease. Sodium-base grease is not compatible with lithium-base grease and should not be intermixed. Usage of incompatible bearing lubricant may result in premature lubricant breakdown.


DISASSEMBLY

1. Raise the vehicle and install safety stands.

Lock Ring And Adjusting Nut Removal:

2. Remove the locking hubs.

3. Remove the wheel lug nuts and the wheel and tire from the hub and rotor assembly.

4. For vehicles equipped with Dana model 44 with manual hub locks, remove the adjusting nut with spanner locknut wrench. Apply inward pressure on the locknut wrench to disengage the adjusting nut locking splines and turn the nut counter-clockwise to loosen and remove the nut from the spindle.

For vehicles equipped Dana model 44 with automatic hub locks, Dana model 50 and model 60 front drive axles, remove the outer locknut, lockwasher and inner locknut with spanner locknut wrench.

5. Remove the brake caliper and secure it to the frame to prevent damage to the brake hose. To prevent damage to the hose or the caliper, do not let the caliper hang only by the brake hose. Service and Repair

Hub, Disc And Outer Bearing Removal:

6. Remove the hub and disc assembly. The outer wheel bearing cone and roller assembly will slide out as the hub is removed.

7. Remove the spindle retaining nuts, then carefully remove the spindle from the knuckle studs and axle shaft.

8. Clean all old grease from the needle bearings and the spindle bore seal.

9. Clean old grease or dirt from these parts and replace if signs of excessive wear are noted.

ASSEMBLY

1. Using lithium-base grease, thoroughly lubricate the needle bearing and pack the spindle face that mates with the spindle bore seal.

2. Assemble the spindle over the axle shaft onto the knuckle studs.

3. Remove the inner bearing cone and grease seal and bearing cups from the hub using a bearing cup puller and impact slide hammer.

4. Inspect bearing cups for pits or cracks. If necessary, remove them with a drift. If new cups are installed, install new cone and roller assemblies.

5. Lubricate bearings with lithium-base grease or equivalent. Clean all old grease from the hub. Pack the cones and rollers. If a bearing packer is not available, work as much lubricant as possible between the rollers and cages.

6. Position inner bearing cone and roller in the inner cup and install grease seal.

7. Carefully position hub and disc assembly on the spindle.

8. Install outer bearing cone and roller, and the adjusting nut or locknuts and lockwashers.

NOTE: On Dana Model 44 Front drive axles, the metal stamping on the adjusting nut must face inboard (towards the spindle). Make sure the inner diameter key on the nut enters the spindle keyway.

9. Adjust the wheel bearings. Adjustments

10. Install tire and wheel.

11. Install the locking hubs.

12. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.