Crack in RearHub 61 Hawk

[jg61hawk]

I just did a brake job on my 61 Hawk. I found the passenger side rear hub has a very slight crack extending from the outside flange toward the interior of the hub (only 1/4 inch). This is in the hub hole that goes over the tappered axle. Two questions: What caused it, and MUST it be changed immediately?

Thanks

[r1lark]

One potential cause is using a lubricant on the tapered surfaces when reassembling. The tapered parts should not be lubricated, or the hub can walk up the axle taper when torquing the nut, causing it to expand and crack.

I would replace it. Safety first. (Have seen damage from an axle breaking on a '61 Hawk, not pretty......figure a hub breaking would be similar.

Paul
Winston-Salem, NC
Visit The NEW Studebaker Skytop Registry website at: www.studebakerskytop.com

[N8N]

well a hub breaking wouldn't cause anything to fly off the car, unless/until the drum breaks apart as well.

that said, I would replace it ASAP - any looseness of the hub on the axle will only be bad for the axle, and we all know that those seem to be the weak link.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Studeman]

I have seen several hubs cracked at the keyway.. I am also the one who owns the '61 Hawk Paul (R1 Lark) is talking about...

DO NOT DRIVE IT LIKE THAT.

My axle snapped at 85 mph in Connecticut returning from the Nats in Wooster Mass.
It was a very sudden violent vibration... then it snapped. I suspect the hub had finally cracked enough to start wobbling and the stress was too much for the axle.



Ray


Specializing in Studebaker Restoration

[jg61hawk]

Thanks. I have always applied a little grease to the axle to make removing the drum easier. I'll remove that right away.

[N8N]

the grease is a no-no and supposedly can actually *cause* the cracking by allowing the hub to go onto the axle farther than designed. Supposed to be clean and dry.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel