Front axle problem.

[HeavyMetal72]

OK, I've done this many times with no issues, but this has me baffled. I am reinstalling the wheel bearings/hub assembly of my 8 lug D44 after having the knuckle machined for a steering arm. When I go to tighten the first retaining nut, I can't even get it finger tight without the hub rubbing on something. I took it apart and found that the inner hub seal is grinding on what appears to be the spindle/knuckle studs. I've never had this happen before. How can the bearing let it go back that far? The bearings are brand new. Could the inner race be an issue? It looks fine. The other side went together without a hitch. What about the spindle? It looks in pretty good shape, too. Anyone have this problem before?

 

[BoondocK5]

I've had this happen on a 60 rear axle, the hub was all jacked up where the inner bearing race was supposed to sit. it let the race move farther into the hub hence allowing the hub to move farther towards the axle housing. Which allows the bolts/nuts to hit the seal.

New hub time, or you can remove the race and try to make it hold the race in the correct spot. but that is for just getting it home not permanent. New hub time, sorry.

 

[HeavyMetal72]

Thanks, That was the conclusion I came to, as well. I'll drive out the race in the morning and give the inner hub a closer look.

 

[HeavyMetal72]

Update:
I checked the hub and it is in good shape. Both races are seated properly, I drove them out then back in. They both positively stopped in the hub. I was able to properly tork the spindle nuts and the wheel turns freely now, but there is still a slight rubing sound. It is not an even rub and it affects one side of the seal more than the other. I am starting to think that the spindle is not seated properly in the knuckle. But that is a longshot, because when I reinstalled the spindle into tbe knuckle, I took extra care to make sure it was seated properly. The only other variable would be the knuckle itself. It is new to the truck. Any ideas?