I took the manual hubs off (just come off when I take the wheels off). I noticed a groove that looks like it is for a seal or o-ring, like about a 3-4" o-ring. There wasnt any seal when I took it apart - is it missing?

 

The hubs have six allen-head screws holding the cap on the body, a snap-ring holds the body of the hub to the inside of the rotor, and another snap-ring holding the hub to the axel.
If the hubs come off when you remove the wheels, I would think something is very wrong. Does the entire hub come out? (can you see the lock-nut for the wheel bearing, or is the cap just coming off)?
If the groove you mentioned is in the cap of the manual hub, it is for an o-ring. If it is in the rotor hub, then thats where the snap-ring is suppesed to go.

BFM

 

Hi -

thanks for the response to the question. here is my situation, any help
will be greatly appreciated:

1-I took the front wheels off
2 - the manual hub lock part (contains the light metal housing, red 'lock'
plastic switch (thing you turn to lock), and a couple splined parts, and
springs). This whole assembly is only held on by being sandwiched between
the rotor and the wheel. And, there is no seal - just a groove, like 3-4"
diameter on the surface that mates to the rotor.

is this normal?

thanks, Brian

 

You have the odd ball of locking hubs in the bronco line up. The flange hub you have was only made and used on ford products for a few years, and only on one or two model year broncos. Warn the OEM supplier no longer makes them so replacement parts are still out there, but only what is on the shelves. You can swap out to a standerd setup, but I do not have the specifics on the deal.. Should be a spindle out swap.. Pricey if you buy new parts, but doable if you can get the parts used.

Erik Marquez
Blackhorse@bronco78.com
http://www.bronco78.com
Home of the Bigbroncos decal

 

This is normal. It's the "flange" style hub ('87 and "early"
'88). It is missing the O ring. You can get this from FORD
for less than $10. The hubs are still avaliable from FORD for
about $250.

Al

 

could you install a set of warn manuel hubs. if they even makem for that year bronco, but i know they would be alot stronger.

 

>Hi -
>
>thanks for the response to the question. here is my
>situation, any help
>will be greatly appreciated:
>
>1-I took the front wheels off
>2 - the manual hub lock part (contains the light metal
>housing, red 'lock'
>plastic switch (thing you turn to lock), and a couple
>splined parts, and
>springs). This whole assembly is only held on by being
>sandwiched between
>the rotor and the wheel. And, there is no seal - just a
>groove, like 3-4"
>diameter on the surface that mates to the rotor.
>
>is this normal?
>
>thanks, Brian



Brian I had a Bronco just like that. Sold it to my buddy. This front end is used only in parts of 87 and 88. The best way to deal with this front end is to replace it with a used front end out of an 80 to 96 bronco( obviously not picking an 87 or 88). I am fixing to swap the axle out of my buddies truck with the one out of my 82 parts Bronco(may she rest in peace).


BROKEBRONCO