Went to use my 4wd for the first time last month and the dial broke off instead of turning. I bought a new one from Amazon ($89) and installed it last weekend only to find it in my driveway last night coming home from work. Didn't fall out on the test drive, so must have fallen out on the one trip I've taken since installing. Made sure to apply additional lube to both sets of splines, as the factory only had a minimal amount of blue slime on the inner set. Cleaned out the snap ring grove before reassembly, but thought that it was a little loose using the new ring. Well, I guess it was! At least it fell out in my driveway and not on the road somewhere else. Whats the trick to getting those rings to stay in? I still have the original, so I'm not completely out of luck.......

 

You need to make sure it's set in the groove completely. You may have to push on it to get the snap ring to catch. I usually wiggle the hub a bit to make sure that it won't fall out.

Red

 

Heres the way to service the factory ESOF hubs, maybe it will help with your none specific replacement hubs.

Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page

 

Thanks for the link. It'll come in handy when I rebuild the other side. As for the new hub, I had double-checked that the clip was completely in the groove and even gave the hub a light "tug" to make sure that it was seated. Honestly, I think the replacement clip was simply weaker than the original. My boy was watching over my shoulder as all of this was happening and we both commented on that clip. I know this is only a 5min procedure, but my aftermarket wheels have a center cap that installs from the inside of the wheel prior to mounting, so I'm forced to take the wheel off to do this. Not a big deal, just another hassle as I recently had surgery and lifting off the 35in tires is not comfortable right now......hence having the 15yo nearby.

 

I use a rubber mallet to gently seat the hub in place then install that snap ring. GL

 

Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page

 

Re-installed the original retaining clip and it's held in much stronger. Gave it a few tugs and it appears solid. Tossed our gear inside and made the 4hr trek to a ski lodge for the weekend. Had it in and out of 4wd on a couple of occasions. All is well again. I guess if some needs to replace a damaged hub, be sure to keep the original clip!