What is this loose ring behind my hub? Photobucket picture attached

[3ngin33r]

This is a 2001 explorer sport 4x4. I have replaced all my ball joints, driver side hub assembly, inner tie-rod drivers side, all bushings on sway bar and truck is riding much better, but there is still some kind of road noise like on one spot when the tire rotates like it is out of alignment. I just had my second alignment today, and had the tires rotated and balaced. The noise is still comming from the driver side tire. When I was doing the sway bar today I noticed this loose ring behind the hub assembly. I don't know what it is and don't remember it being there when I reassembled everything when I reinstalled the hub. Could this be the reason I am still getting this road noise on this tire? What is it; is it part of the axle or hub? How do I fix it? http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/jeffrowegner/DSC00564.jpg

 

[dynamite196]

Looks like the dust seal for the hub, pretty easy to replace although it requires a good amount of disassembly. Think they go for around $30 for the pair at the stealership.

 

[3ngin33r]

That would make sense. I will do some research on that. Thanks!

 

[gavin]

oil slinger/dust sheild.

new cv shafts come with it, remanufactured cv shafts do not.

it's there to help keep debris out of the backside of the hub/bearing assembly