I was told the Dana 60 wheel bearings get no other lubrication than the grease you pack, but I don't know for sure. Ok, it looks like the grease is ok but how much should I have packed? I didn't really pack the hubs with any, just the bearings. Now I'm wondering if I should have packed grease into the hubs themselves.

This is the story of my life. Sorry for such stupid questions.

 

Was there any grease in there when you took it apart?

 

Not that I could see...

 

There's your answer. The bearings are indeed lubricated by the 80w90, or, whatever lubricant you fill the axle with. That's why when the seal at the back goes, you see the serious mess. (that smells friggin HORRID.)

 

Hmp. I see. I just assumed it was like the front- you pack with grease and hope it lasts until they need serviced and doesn't **** the bed before then. I thought the gear oil leak was from the flange seal (which was missing) leaking and allowing oil into the hub but that doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense.

So, I will be driving tonight if this is the case. Just have to adjust and bleed the brakes. Poor old truck. I am half afraid it won't run after a month or more of sitting.

 

Just to be safe....... Once you have everything reassembled, and the diff fluid topped off, jack up one side, to get fluid into the bearings, put it down, then do the other side. Recheck fluid level in the diff. This makes sure you aren't getting a false "full" reading, and running dry bearings...... (don't ask me how I know this.....)

 

Is there an oil passage milled into the shaft housing maybe on the underside? I just don't see where the oil could get into the hub...

 

There is no seal on the spindle that the hub rides on, the fluid travels right down the axle, and makes its way to the bearings.

 

Ah...I see. We'll just get it buttoned up and hopefully on the road tonight.

 

IT LIVES!

Buttoned it up, bled the brakes and was driving within an hour. What an ordeal. I have missed this old beast. However, once i fired it up I thought I was going to lose him, smoke was pouring out the tailpipe, I've never seen it smoke this much and it wouldn't idle. I think the valve seals are completely toast.

Anyway, after taking it for a drive it seems to be no worse for wear. I parked both ways on a hill side in an attempt to slosh some gear oil to the axle ends and then drove about ten miles. Then I topped off the diff. I'm going to go easy on it for a couple of weeks. I'm paranoid I didn't pack the bearings with enough grease.