The hub maybe fine, maybe the cone nuts are just too tight, or the bearings are dry and need to be regreased. If you've been riding on a hub with dried out grease long enough chances are the bearings are have become shot.. ive seen bearings turn into sand almost. Replacements shouldnt be difficult to find if thats the case, bring in the dead sample to your LBS. Open her up and take a look before buying anything you dont really need!