Just replaced my rear hub, and I noticed that when I got two from the junkyard, one had a little washer (part 5 on page RA-6 in the FSM) between the axle nut and the bearing itself, and the other did not. When I got things apart on my own car, there was no washer. I tried putting the washer in on my car and there was no space to put in the cotter pin.

I have all three axle nuts and all three hubs/bearings, and none of them will fit wit the washer while allowing me to place the cotter pin in. When I take the washer out, everything fits perfectly. I have no idea how it could possibly have worked on the junkyard car.

Any idea what this is? Can I safely leave it out?

Thanks

 

If it doesn't fit, it doesn't belong there.

 

I'm hesitant to accept that answer because the FSM shows the washer going between the nut and bearing.

I put it all back together and drove it anyway, reasoning that the cotter pin should do me some good. What a difference - I can hear myself think without the bad bearing.

 

The washer provides additional protection to the outside of the bearing. Try tightening the axle nut down as far as it will go without the washer, then taking the nut back off without letting the hub slip outward and then see if the washer will now fit.