Been there; done that; got to buy new wheel bearings.

Boat-trailer grease, though thick, nasty, & waterproof, won't stand up to disc brake temps. And even though all grease is "waterproof", water still gets emulsified into it by the churning action of the bearings. So while I agree with your analysis of WHY water comes in, I think your idea for the solution is not practicable for these reasons: it creates a way for water to bypass the seals; it hinges on the availability of a diaphragm that will fit the specific shape of that pocket in the hub assembly without snagging on the spindle bolt heads or any debris that makes its way in there; it requires fairly delicate & precise drilling thru heavy cast iron to get the proper area vented (the hub lock); and, the vent hole might create a weak spot in an extremely important part.

My suggestion is to simply pack the area between the wheel bearings as thoroughly as possible (I use a straw on the grease gun tip), and pull the hub locks to drain them when necessary (using a can of computer air to blow out the last drops). You'll probably find that this is a LOT less effort overall than the diaphragm option and probably at least as effective.

 

so does this mean the package of crap arrived?

 

yep, you get your loot?

steve, yeah it sounds a little elaborate but it could be incased in a shield to protect it... it wouldnt really have to be that big i dont think. and the hole would be small so i dont think the strength issue would be that big a deal.

 

A good synthetic is probably your best bet.

 

yep, so evrythign gonna work for you?
like i said earlier, change out the ball joints.

 

heh, yeah those balljoints were quite toasty! i've got it all back together except the caliper and the lockout. how the HELL does that lockout go together? i tried to use my old lockout but it didnt fit in the hub, so i spent 5 minutes trying to figure it out but it was dark and the bugs were getting me so i gave up for the night. i think i'm missing a piece, or i just couldnt see it in the bottom of the box... i'll look again tomorrow. also, does that funky nut/washer assembly need a locknut behind it to keep it from backing off? i assume it does but wasnt sure since i didnt see one in the box... i can just use my old outer locknut if i need it.

 

ya, its factory ford for ya. just keep on trying to fit peices toghether, and its qall there. have fun, as i dont exactly remeber what went in first.

 

well i got it all together but i had to use my old lockout cuz there is about 1/4" too much play in the axle shaft using the 79 lockout... it needs a washer of some sort to space it out. i think i know what's missing, some sort of piece that would hold the shaft from moving up down L and R... none of these pieces does that, they just allow the hub to lock in and out. i appear to have everything in your picture too so i dont know what's going on. i think there needs to be some sort of retainer that positions that little "star" thing inside the hub but lets it rotate freely til the other big "star" engages it. do you see what i mean? regardless, i went out and farmed some sh!t up right after i finished! i got off in some 6" deep clay stuff and i was throwing baseball size clumps on the hood and roof... it's so nice to be back in the MACHINE!

 

Swap

Glad to hear it went together. Bring your leftover steering knuckles, spindles, & hubs with you this weekend.

 

Re: Swap

why? i'll bring the knuckle but the spindle and hub are roasted, you want them anyway? they'd make great trotline weights though

 

Re: Swap

Yeah, bring it all. I may have some stuff you want, and if you're not gonna make a swingaway from the hub & spindle, I might.

 

Re: Swap

hmmm... ok. they arent in prime condition but i guess they're good enough for a carrier. you'll have to use your own bearings though, i scattered mine down the interstate

 

late entry, but here goes anyway:

i use this thick black lithoplex grease. Get it by the box (of tubes) from a garage 'bout a half hour from me. This sh!t holds up like no other grease ive ever seen. Despite all the crap that gets in the hubs, it still looks like grease!

 

is it made by CITGO? i did a quick search and that stuff sounds pretty good for our application. they list several different kinds, heres a link if you're interested:
http://www.sweeneyoil.com/wholesale-products/grease.html

 

well, you piqued my curiosity, so i went back and checked.
Thats it!
Citgo MP Lithoplex Grease. Comes in cases of 12, although i would imagine you could order it by the tube.

 

NEW IDEA! had a brainstorm... interesting idea: what if i put a zerk fitting on the hub right behind the lockout body and pumped a sh1tload of grease in there til it starts coming out of the lockout splines so that the whole hub is packed with grease. obviously it would block water from getting in AND there would be no air in the hub to contract when it hits the water... feasible? swamp donkey made a little tool that threads onto the spindle to pack the spindle bore, so that water path could be eliminated also. any opinions?