Hot hubs

[k5ryder]

Would my front hubs be significantly hot (to hott to keep your hand on) if I drove with them locked in 2wd for 4 hours at 70mph? And what I mean by locked is I test drove my blazer put it in 4wd but didn't reverse 10 feet after putting it back in 2wd and drove 4 hours home.

 

[herkdriver007]

When was the last time you checked your wheel bearings?

 

[k5ryder]

Actually when I got done posting that thread I went outside and checked them. I jacked the blazer up and put my hands at noon and six o'clock and everything was tight. I also put my hands at 3 and 9 and everything was tight. I did this on both wheels and everything was tight. I put the blazer in 4wd and pulled forward a good bit to try to engage the hubs and then put it back in 2wd and reversed at least ten feet. I'm gonna drive it to work tomorrow (50 miles one way) and check to see if they are really really hot again. I guess we will know more tomorrow morning.

 

[k5ryder]

well, I drove the blazer to work (1hour) and got out and touched the hubs. They were as cool as could be so my conclusion is that when I purchased the blazer I drove it 4 hours home with the hubs locks. Thanks for all of Yall's help.

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

Glad it all worked out and ended up being nothing at all. Wish more things went that way.

Reading this first thing in the morning I clicked the link wondering why a thread labled "Hot Tubs" was in the 73-91 section.

It didn't say hot tubs

 

[Deuling]

Glad it all worked out and ended up being nothing at all. Wish more things went that way.

Reading this first thing in the morning I clicked the link wondering why a thread labled "Hot Tubs" was in the 73-91 section.

It didn't say hot tubs

 

[k5ryder]

Is it possible that all of that heat could have caused some damage. I still plan on putting manual hubs on it. going to go see about getting the warn premium hubs today.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

It probably wouldn't hurt to repack your wheel bearings.

 

[Deuling]

Just because your wheel bearings are tight, doesn't mean it's a good thing necessarily. In the case of them being over tightened, they would create heat.

 

[k5ryder]

It probably wouldn't hurt to repack your wheel bearings.

in order to repack both bearing I need to take the whole hub assy off correct? should I replace the axle u joint as well?

 

[big dan]

in order to repack both bearing I need to take the whole hub assy off correct? should I replace the axle u joint as well?

yes you need to remove whole hub assembly and I second repacking bearings. Good chance they need it. Also to answer another question, yes the heat could have caused damage but you can check it out when you repack the bearings

As far as the axle u-joints, I wouldn't replace them unless they are loose. Ive found through repetitive abuse that the factory joints are about the strongest if they are in good condition. If you do need to replace them find spicer joints. They are more difficult to get and more expensive but parts store axle shaft joints are junk, Ive broken every one Ive ever replaced (at least 10) and only one spicer joint.