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View Full Version : Unit Hubs go clunkity-clunk...again


XJEEPER
November 23rd, 2005, 06:19
I replaced my factory Unit bearing hubs last spring with Crown units that I got from Cutrubus Jeep. The stock 1989 units were not clunking but did have some bearing play, and since they had 195,000 miles on them....it was time.

The Crown hubs made it until late October when I noticed a clunking sound on the driver side, which I had dismissed as a trackbar heim that was due to be replaced with an RE SF joint. On our PC run on Nov 5th, I discovered that both hubs were toast, lots of play in the bearings.

Dave at Cutrubus hooked me up with 2 Crown replacement units (warranty) and I thought all was well, but upon installation of the new ones, the driver's side still clunks..... no amount of torquing would make it stop.

Here's my theory....Crown hubs are not assembled to the proper tolerances, resulting in the bearings not seating completely onto the races. This could be due to insufficient press strength during assembly at the factory (50 tons required to disassemble them) or it could be that their bearings say Timken on them but are actually made of Jello pudding........

As much as I love to swap hubs, and Dave has been good to stand behind the Crown products, I want the problem solved......HP D44 you say?( Jon, are you ready to part out Poomba?)

For now, I just need replacements that aren't junk.
Anyone have a similar expereince or recommend a quality aftermarket manufacture? I've read on a Searched thread that others have had a similar experience, sloppy hubs out of the box...replaced with Omix units for clunk-free Jeeping.

TIA

Geepfreak
November 23rd, 2005, 07:33
When I had to replace the one's on my trail rig, I went to Bradshaw auto to buy them, can't remeber the brand name, but I knew that I did not want to buy from the dealer, I remember paying around 150 for each one, but I have had no issues with them for over 60K, and thats with around 15K running 35's..I'll call over there later and get the brand..

Wil Badger
November 23rd, 2005, 08:39
i believe its AutoZone that carrys real Timken units for 150.i've had mine for awhile on 35's without an issue

DeadEyeJ
November 23rd, 2005, 13:24
Junkyard. Cheap and proven for the short haul!

Jared:patriot:

fx4rover
November 23rd, 2005, 13:46
I just replaced mine, go to Autozone they have Timken at around 140.00

TRNDRVR
November 23rd, 2005, 15:07
Just put some Ford hubs on it. :gag:

XJEEPER
November 25th, 2005, 16:11
Still waiting for you to stop basting turkeys and find me a 44 front.......I just don't wanna spend another dime on this D30, since it's months are numbered... but I guess I'll be bucking up for new hubs. I just finished re-torquing the hub nuts down with a 1/2" breaker bar and 2' of tubing....yup, felt just like 210 lb/ft. Both hubs still have play in them so my theory stands; they weren't assembled properly and the bearings aren't seated on the races.

TRNDRVR
November 25th, 2005, 16:19
Just buy my XJ!!!

XJEEPER
November 25th, 2005, 16:32
Stop teasing me and part it out already!

TRNDRVR
November 25th, 2005, 16:55
Stop teasing me and part it out already!
I've considered it. I think it's time for the topless/and frame option!!! :dunno:

DeadEyeJ
November 25th, 2005, 16:57
Crap Dan, you just finished that monster. What more do you need? Are you going coilovers and 4 links front and rear? I'd hate to see you sell/part out your XJ with only one trip on it since all the recent mods.

Jared:patriot:

DrMoab
November 25th, 2005, 17:55
Crap Dan, you just finished that monster. What more do you need? Are you going coilovers and 4 links front and rear? I'd hate to see you sell/part out your XJ with only one trip on it since all the recent mods.

Jared:patriot:
Maybe he is going to pull a Will Badger....One small flop and its goodbye XJ hello buggy. (funny thing is he said he is doing it to stop damage yet he is using the same axles and thats all he ever breaks)

Wil Badger
November 25th, 2005, 18:23
you taking a stab at me .i haven't broken an axle part in awhile now,hehehe the last thing that went was the front locker and since then its been pretty good.i gave it a beating today and it came out of it fine.

and no it wasn't one flop then decided to go buggy.i was actually fixing it and getting the windshield replaced but i know my driving style .combine that with a truck body and i will just waste another XJ

DrMoab
November 25th, 2005, 18:30
you taking a stab at me .i haven't broken an axle part in awhile now,hehehe the last thing that went was the front locker and since then its been pretty good.i gave it a beating today and it came out of it fine.

and no it wasn't one flop then decided to go buggy.i was actually fixing it and getting the windshield replaced but i know my driving style .combine that with a truck body and i will just waste another XJ
Going with us tomorrow? Oh yeah you don't get up that early :D