Locking hub doesn't go all the way to the "locked" arrow.

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The BurgerMeister

The BurgerMeister

10 Year
Joined
Feb 10, 2013
Threads
6
Messages
71
My driver's side locking hub doesn't go all the way to the "locked" arrow. Passenger's side one does.

It doesn't feel like it's stuck or anything... It just turns to about halfway between the "free" indicator arrow and the "locked" indication arrow.

Anyone else's hubs do this?
 
Right on. Looked it up, seems straightforward.


I wonder... Is it even locking at all in its current state? Can only one hub be locked? Do I risk wrecking things if I don't fix it before using 4wd again?
 
I doubt it's engaging and you may do more damage to the splines. Just open it and fix it.
 
There is no way of telling what the problem is until opening it up. The front axle probably had service done to it at some point which means the hub was taken off.

Here are some potential explanations:
1. The two hub springs not installed correctly onto pawl.
2. spring detent ball missing and won't hold in locked position.
3. debirs inside hub not allowing clutch to slide all the way in and engage axle shaft
4. axle shaft end splines galled or damaged not allowing clutch to move onto it and engage.

In summary, take it apart and clean it.

I recommend replacing the switch cover o-ring after cleaning everything as it will give you a really nice resistance free feel. I've seen some people have to use pliers to turn theirs which is bad news.

Make sure not to over torque those small bolts. They break real easily, I've done it.
 
Looks like the earliest I'll be able to get any work done is Sunday... Maybe. If not then, I don't know when. With two small children and a family business, things can get a little crazy. :)

I'll post about it when I get a chance. Thanks!
 
After i drove through a flooded road my drivers side hub did the same thing. A mechanic friend just said that they just got gumed up.
 
yeah, i will be sure to clean it up while i have it off. may do the other one too... for the sake of thoroughness.

thanks, LCOwner! that's what i thought, just wanted to make sure.
 
Just realized I have it the other way around: the hub doesn't go all the way back to the "free" position. It does line up with "lock." Just for the sake of accuracy.

In any case, it's not working properly so I'm still going to take it apart and fix it. :)
 
Does any one recomend a good rebuild kit? Any specific web sites.
 
The outer portion of the hub will line up in six different positions, but only two are correct. There are some small tabs that require orientation with the larger "double grooves" on the second part of the hub. You will see what I mean when you take it apart, it's easy.
 
The BurgerMeister said:
Just realized I have it the other way around: the hub doesn't go all the way back to the "free" position. It does line up with "lock." Just for the sake of accuracy.

In any case, it's not working properly so I'm still going to take it apart and fix it. :)
Click to expand...

I had a similar issue with my driver side locking hub. I took it apart, cleaned, re-assemble and now its working properly.End up taking both of them apart...Most likely the previous assembly/ disassembly process was not done correctly. Brass Drift, flat nose clip wrench and torque wrench are essential tools for the task...

May want to get new gaskets and o-ring for the thumb dial...mine where caked-on and brittle.
 
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