Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

[PAkev]

I've owned a 98 chev blazer since brand new and keep on having problems with wheel hubs wearing. I've had 2 replaced by a mechanic at $400+ each time and have replaced 2 by myself. The last hub I replaced has less than 8K miles on it and is now beginning to show signs of wear again. It seems like the right front is wearing more than the left front as I have replaced the right side 3 times and the left side only once. The last two hubs I personally replaced were with a lifetime warranty so there is no real parts cost but I'm not looking forward to spending a day to tear it down and put things back together.

It is apparent there is something wrong that's causing the hubs to wear prematurely.

Helpful thoughts appreciated.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

Those older s-10 chassis were known for eating ball joints. Could you have a bad ball joint?

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

In addition to bad ball joints have you put aftermarket wheels or tires on it?

Any wheel or tire combination that moves the centerline of the tire outboard of the original centerline will cause a greater load on the bearings. When I worked at an automotive store putting myself through college, I loved the kids that put on oversized tires as you could bet that they would be returning for wheel bearings soon. The lowriders that used spacers to step the tires out were good for even more bearing sales.

If you are not preloading the bearings correctly you will also go through hubs quickly. Either too loose or to tight will cause bearing damage and eventually cause the races to fret the hubs and come out. Double check your procedure to eliminate this cause.

2WD or 4WD? Occasionally vibration from a CV joint going out on a 4WD can overload loose set bearings.

Just some thoughts.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

Ball joints seemed tight every time I jacked front end up and tried to move the wheels. The last time I replaced a hub, I also replaced the idler arm and and tie rod ends. Also, everything on the car is stock as it came from the dealer with exception of any manufacturer spec. replacement parts.

The hubs are a sealed unit which prevent any kind of lubrication after they are installed. I've been wondering if it would make a difference if you were able to grease them up with routine oil change and chasis lube.

 

[jimr]

Re: Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

if it is a 4wd are you torquing them or just running them up. regardless of what ppl will tell you they need to be torqued.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

If it's 4X4, have you ever replaced the axles with re manufactured or aftermarket replacements? There may be some subtle differences in the machining dimensions on the outboard stub causing improper seating of the axle.

Or, maybe your beating it to death when you keep running off the road with the right wheel.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

Ayuh,....

What, Exactly is wearing Out,..??..??

By your discription is sounds like the Bearings,+ Not the actual Hubs.....

 

[BRG25]

Re: Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

It's a design flaw, no doubt about it. My Uncle works for a salvage yard and I bought a few from him. He tells me it's a popular item. Check out my thread from 2003.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=18656

By the way, you might want to check you're rear axle because they are known to leak and fail.

 

[Mike V]

Re: Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

switch to manual hubs? your auto hubs may be engaging while in 2wd and burning out?
I have 225K on My Pathfinder and never replaced a hub?

 

[BRG25]

Re: Chev. S-10 Blazer wheel hubs

This is what I did this past weekend to my 1998 Jimmy. I'm trying to remember how many original parts still exist in this truck....not many...LOL