FAQ1001 Location of Wheel Bearing Spacer Rings for 1974-1979 Dodge Dana 44 Front Axle

Question:

What is the location of the rings inside the hub of a 1974-1979 Dodge dana 44 live spindle front axle?

Answer:

One ring is used per side, and each ring is matched to a specific bearing set. The overall thickness of the ring will vary from set to set. These were precision ground to fit between the bearing cups so that the overall thickness of the installed new bearing set would always be the same and provide a bearing preload of at least 0.004” when everything was bolted up. The solid spacer is typical of Timken Bearing sets and the inferior open spacer is typical of BCA and offshore bearing makes.

The assembly procedure for installing the bearings on the hub are:

1. Install QU50206 Seal in Retainer
2. Lubricate Seal Lip and install retainer/seal assembly on hub and rotor
3. Use new QU50205 Bearing Set
4. Pack Bearings with clean, quality grease
5. Press outer bearing on hub
6. Install outer race, supplied spacer, inner race.
7. Press on inner bearing

NOTE: If either bearing is not a press fit, hub is no good

The hub and bearing design is very troublesome. By now almost all the hubs are worn to the point where the bearings will not press on, the retainers are worn where the outer cup contacts it, and the inside of the knuckle is worn. Any of these by itself or in combination with the others can result in no preload on the wheel bearings or even loose wheel bearings. There is no adjustment that will cure these issues, just new parts which are NLA new for the ½ ton.