Nuts & Bolts

I have a 1975 Ford F-150 4x4 that I am working on restoring and modifying.

- Trenton McGee

SPUN BEARING

Q I have a 1975 Ford F-150 4x4 that I am working on restoring and modifying. I am currently going through the Dana 44 front axle, and I was curious how you can tell if a wheel bearing is spinning on the spindle. It appears that is exactly what is happening in my case. The bearings and spindle look fairly new. MIKE T. Via [e-mail]

ABased on your photos we agree that the inner bearing has been spinning on the spindle, and that’s not good. If left unattended, the bearing will eventually friction-weld itself to the spindle, which is both costly and difficult to repair. It looks like you caught yours in the nick of time, as it has clearly gotten hot at some point. The grooves visible on both the spindle and the inside of the bearing are the telltale signs, and the discoloration indicates heat. Run your fingernail along the grooved area of the spindle; if you can feel those grooves but they don’t seem very deep, you might be able to clean up the spindle with emery cloth. If not, you should replace the spindle. We would replace the bearing regardless.