Axle broke - what happened?

[danielp3344]

So... I took my truck on a shortish (300 mile) trip yesterday, about 40 miles from home I was doing maybe 60mph on a long straight road when all of a sudden I felt a hideous death wobble and lost my front brakes (scared me pretty good). I carefully limped about a mile to a parking lot where I found this:

Realizing there was no way it was driving home like that I had it towed, and when it got home I pulled the wheel off to find this:

I gotta say I'm a bit bummed, lol. So what could have caused that? Should I just replace the broken bits and keep driving? The other side doesn't have any play I can feel (maybe just a tiny bit) should I check it too? Is this a good time to do anything else to the front axle (I've been thinking about lockers or smth).

 

[Dirtman]

Looks to me like those wheel bearings were neglected for a few decades?

 

[danielp3344]

That was my first thought, but the other side seems fine?

 

[Dirtman]

Have you taken it apart to check it though? Could have no play and still be fubar. That side could have lost a seal and the grease went bye bye though.

 

[danielp3344]

No, I hate to ask stupid questions but other than jacking it up and trying to shake the wheel how else can you tell if it's bad? Should I take the other side apart?

 

[Dirtman]

No, I hate to ask stupid questions but other than jacking it up and trying to shake the wheel how else can you tell if it's bad? Should I take the other side apart?

I would definitely take the other side apart to inspect it carefully.

 

[danielp3344]

OK, I'll get some pictures up here when I do.

 

[Dirt Squirt]

Same thing happened to me on the way to the beach, in the rain, in a construction zone, with jersey walls on both sides, about 38 years ago in my 66 Chevelle. Half a cotter pin saved our lives and my Chevelle. I still have it too.(the car and the half cotter pin). I have a box in my garage marked "why me". Also has the center portion of a flywheel and various o 2 sensor remains and other stories.