I rebuilt the front axle on my 83 4X4 with all new bearings, races, seals etc. I used Redline grease, replaced brake rotors and pads and used the scale to set the pre-load on the bearings. I took the truck out and drove it around and did not notice any unusual sounds, wobbles or smells, but when I got back home and was checking things out I felt the front hubs and they were really hot. I could keep my hand on them for a second or two, but that's all.
Is this normal? I did do some heavy braking to test the new brakes so maybe this heated things up. Anybody have an idea on how hot things are supposed to get?

 

sounds like your wheel bearing might be too tight....

Did you use a pull scale? What method did you use to tighten the bearings down?

 

Yes, I used the pull scale. I'm able to turn the hub fairly easily by hand without the tire on it. I checked the front wheel on my 86 Corolla after driving it and found that it was also very hot. I think it is the heat generated by braking.

 

Brakes will heat things up in front. For a better test, you can coast to a stop after a long high speed run. I found my hubs got a little hot right after I put new bearings in them. This was on the way down to an off-road trip. On the way home, they had cooled down quite a bit, still felt quite warm but you could hold your hand on them for a long time. I usually do the bearing pre-load as follows:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri....shtml#Rebuild

 

the same thing happened when i built my axle. I was going to replace the trail-gear bearings i used with another type, but before i ever did the bearings loosened up and it doenst heat up any more.

 

^^ same thing with mine after i rebuilt my fornt axle the hubs were hot for about 20 miles then they loosened up and they are fine now, i wouldnt worry about it just drive it around a little more and if its still hot then loosen them a little.

 

Thanks for the info. 4 Crawler that is the info I used when I did the work and the final preload on the bearings was correct. I'm getting the truck licensed next week so I will able to drive it more and work in the bearings.

 

Just have to "break" it in, as mentioned above. The metal will expand when heated up (From friction and braking) and then the setup will fall right into place. I'd drive it for a couple days at various speeds, still keeping an eye out for any vibration or odd noises, and check the heat again. It should stop.