Manual Locking Hub Issue
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From: VA
Manual Locking Hub Issue
Hey guys, I'm having an issue with my manual locking hubs I think. I can shift my transfer case into 4x4 and the driveshaft and axles will spin. When I turn my hubs into the lock position they don't seem to be actually locking in and the wheels aren't driven. We have had some nights in the negative digits and most days in the teens and 20s recently. Is it possible that my hubs are just frozen? Everything was working fine about a month ago the last time I used 4x4.
Any input is appreciated!
Any input is appreciated!
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Posting Guru
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From: VA
I parked it in the garage tonight. A little above freezing temp. If they still don't do anything tomorrow after the whole truck thaws then I'll take them apart tomorrow night.
Thanks for the quick reply
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 501
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From: Lincoln, NE
I've had hubs not engage before and had to take a propane torch to heat the grease up. The heavy wheel bearing grease holds the hub clutch in place and doesn't allow it to slide into place to engage. I've started to use a moly cold storage grease on mine and it helps in the really cold weather that we have been having. And you want to make sure that the hub clutch is fully engaged if you are planning on applying full power to it.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Working on the snowblower gearbox recently makes me think that something like Stens "00" grease would be best for hubs that rarely get engaged except in freezing temperatures.
John Deere "0" cornpicker grease seems an option too.
NLGI consistency is measured at 25C (77*F)
That #2 is pretty thick even without all the dust and metallic wear particles that have built up over the years.
I just replaced my hubs because the sintered metal splines were blown out due to a failed U-joint.
John Deere "0" cornpicker grease seems an option too.
NLGI consistency is measured at 25C (77*F)
That #2 is pretty thick even without all the dust and metallic wear particles that have built up over the years.
I just replaced my hubs because the sintered metal splines were blown out due to a failed U-joint.
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From: VA
I sprayed around the hubs this morning with warm penetrating oil. Left the hubs in the locked position and drove to work. They locked in after 6-8 miles this time. Gonna leave them locked for now, and I'll take them apart on a warmer day, haha
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
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rocking forward and reverse helps them lock also. . .but taking them apart to make sure theyre in working order (which includes greased properly with no water and dirt) is always a good idea once in a while.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Roseville, MN
And "greased properly" means very little grease (at least compared to most things you grease, like wheel bearings). If you put a lot of grease on manual hubs they will tend to stick.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 154
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From: IN
Lighter grease sounds like a good idea. Had mine apart late last summer and used Lucas Thick N Tacky. Was not thinking how it would work in the near zero temps we have had lately. I normally lock my hubs before the first accumulating snow and leave them in until its about done.
I think I'll leave them locked for now.
Todd
I think I'll leave them locked for now.
Todd
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From: VA
Lighter grease sounds like a good idea. Had mine apart late last summer and used Lucas Thick N Tacky. Was not thinking how it would work in the near zero temps we have had lately. I normally lock my hubs before the first accumulating snow and leave them in until its about done.
I think I'll leave them locked for now.
I think I'll leave them locked for now.
I usually only lock them when I'm going out and know I need 4x4. I guess I'm just trying to avoid any un-needed wear on the front end and the joints
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
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From: Gilbert, PA
But a nice THIN coat of lithium grease works well
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