Split Hub

[gddavid]

I had an odd hub failure this weekend that I had never seen or heard of. The hub split in two at the transition from the flange to the outer hub (where it protrudes through the wheel). Fortunately I noticed it was hot and the grease coming out before the bearings completely self-destructed. Simple 1750# 5 lug 4.5" center with no rotor or drum. I saw the grease coming out of the break but didn't realize what I was seeing until I started pulling things apart. The axle nut stayed in place holding everything together, the bearings were trashed but still turning. It was an easy fix with a new hub as the bearing races came right off. I should have snapped a couple of pics but was too discussed and in a hurry to back to enjoying my family vacation (of course I was traveling out of town when this happened).

 

[BigDfromTN]

Good catch on your part!

I have never heard of that happening either.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Bad casting.
I once had a new work truck that broke a rear brake drum separating the part the shoes pressed against from the side the lug studs went thru.

 

[robert graham]

Probably a faulty/weak casting....

 

[Don Hansen]

Had one crack from the inner lip into the area where the seal and inner race goes. Thought it was a scratch until I looked closer. Found it while I was repacking the bearings.

 

[robert graham]

You gotta know these hubs were probably cast at some foundry somewhere in China.....somebody may have dropped a dead cat or a dead rat into the iron before it was poured....

 

[gddavid]

It is a freak failure but my other hub may have been in the same production batch. I am going to replace it too.

 

[robert graham]

It is a freak failure but my other hub may have been in the same production batch. I am going to replace it too.

Northern Tool carries the packaged, greased and ready to install hubs for about $45 each....I had a bearing badly pitted on one hub after 15 years of use and for about $100 I just replaced them both....if you have an older hub with usable bearings and seals you can toss it in the back of your truck for a spare just in case....