13 replies to this topic

[Ktomek06]

Will it hurt my 94's auto-locking hubs to be put underwater? My streets were very deep because of the flooding and I was wondering if it would. Is it going to ruin the bearings? Can damage be cause by going through water about a foot and a half deep?
My dad was nagging at me for driving through the deep water in my neighborhood to pull out someone.

[sweepersrgr8]

No! They are sealed. Tell your dad the Bronc was made to get wet. Although I would be concerned about wet carpet.

[Ktomek06]

really? Some guy on FSB told me I need to re-pack my bearings and check my diff fluids for water intrusion.

[sweepersrgr8]

If your fluids are not leaking, then your seals are good. Look under your truck and see if the breather tube for you diffs are above the water line. if they are, I would say you are good.

I take mine through the water here all the time, and have had no problems...except for having to take the carpet out to dry.

I tore it down for a brake job this weekend, hubs and bearings looked fine.

[Ktomek06]

alright thx man!

[walkdawg]

I agree if you did not have any thing leaking before you went throught the water then you should not have any water in there. Your bearings might get some water in there but the grease should repel it from getting to the bearings.

[Broncoholics]

Here's something to think about, the wheel bearings create heat and will actually suck the cool water inside the hubs. The grease is thick in side hubs so it will not leak out. The axle tubes have seals around the shafts to keep the thick 90 weight gear oil in the carrier, water is much thinner and can get in. 90% of the time you will be OK but I have no oil leaks and still get water inside everyonce in a while. Mostly due to 3' deep water crossings but if I were you I'd take a quick check and pull both hub caps off and pull the diff cover. Plus its nice to repack bearing and replace fluid in the carrier from time to time.

[Ktomek06]

Here is how high the water was....any damage?

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[Justshootme84]

I agree with Broncoholics, you should at least check the hubs and whell bearings along with the diff lube for water intrusion. That water looks rather deep, and some could easily get in thru the breather tubes on the axles if they are stock, or not extended up higher. Try to avoid deep water over your axles next time. When the radio says flash flood warning for Bay City, they mean it!!! How often is it we get 8-10 inches of rain in a day? How about twice this month alone, a week apart!!!

[Broncoholics]

Yeah, thats deep enough to get water in. The rear hub seal can leak fluid into the hub area easily. Also where the axle shaft enters the hub area there should be a small rubber ring seal that almost never gets repalced. Most shops do not carry the seals so knowone ever replaced them after they fall apart. The seal is the same diameter as the axle shaft and installs on the back side of the spindle, so look for it when inside. Check the spindle bearing for wear. If the carrier has water in it, the oil will turn to a thick gray honey and mess up the bearings and you will have to rebuild the gears and bearings. I know from experience. If this is the case then repalce the inner seals in the carrier. Don't use 4x4 until you check the fluid and get a new cover gasket. Do you have a extended air tube off the top of the diff? If not add one and lengthen it to the engine compartment or just under the hood.

[Ktomek06]

Heres what Im planning on doing.....

Extending the Breather tubes
Repacking and greasing the bearings
Checking the diff fluid

anything else?