4x4 hub teardown

[towtruckerfour]

Hey guys. I'm tearing down the front hubs on my 68 F250 4x4 because they were making some noises. I've gotten to the last part before the hub will come off I think. I think I might have to replace a couple parts. I can't figure out how to get this part out. It is the piece in front of the bearing. Does it thread on or just press in? I've tried tapping on it both direction and just pulling on the whole hub and no luck.

I think I have the Dana Spicer front axle. It is the 2nd diagram in the diagram section. Thanks for all help so I can put it back together.

[cep62]

Thats the locking ring ,it holds the nut in place that sets the bearing preload.
a couple of small hooks will pull it out ,it has a tab in a slot to keep it from turning.
then there's another nut behind it that holds the bearing in place.

[towtruckerfour]

Thank you very much cep62. I got everything off and the bearing race has big holes in it and the seal wasn't even stuck to the hub anymore. The only problem I am having now is I can't get the bearing to come off. It turns but will not slide off. It should slide off right? When I find the camera, I will get pictures. I'm scared to see the passenger side now.

[cep62]

Yes the bearing should slide off with the hub.
What happens is the bearing fails then it will spin on the spindle and gouge it up.
There was a picture posted recently that showed the worse case senario of a spindle that broke in two.

IF you get the bearing off you may be able to file down the spindle for a new bearing.
if it's real bad it might be eaiser and safer to get a used spindle and maybe a hub assembly.

[towtruckerfour]

The truck is back together with new Warn hubs. It sounds and rolls much better with new parts and grease.

[cep62]

Thats how you learn what "normal" sound like.
wear it out then replace everything .. then driving get eerily quiet.