Axle shaft spacer getting eaten by something

[Byrd91]

When changing wheel bearings this last time I noticed my axle shaft spacer on the passenger side had gotten chewed up a little by something. Even stranger is the fact that the outside got chewed, not the rotor side. This is weird because it appears to spin with the axle and clip, so there is no reason why it should be doing this. I put it all back together with the same spacer because I don't have a spare, thinking that all damage has been done, and face the chewed side to the outside again with the same logic as before, that everything on the outside spins together. Well today I thought I'd rotate my tires and check on it, and sure enough there was metallic powder/paste in the hub. The wheel bearing grease seemed fresh and the inside of the spacer was fine, so it's definitely the outside wearing. I can't figure this out. Even though its tight, it shouldn't have friction against anything. I thought maybe inside the hub but all seems good there. Also, the play in the axle with the hub off is normal right. Just thought I'd check on that also even though I am pretty sure it is. Thanks guys.

 

[RangerX]

I've had that problem for a year or more! I don't know what is causing it either. But mine is wearing on the inner side of the spacer. It has an O-ring shaped wear pattern from the lip of the spindle, worn thru half the thickness. Any insight appreciated.

 

[Byrd91]

Wearing on the inner would make more sense, maybe I just wasn't paying attention. Either way it sucks because metal shavings and bearings isn't a good combo.