Locking hub won't install
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 50
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From: Arizona
Locking hub won't install
I recently removed my locking hubs to do my inner diff seals. I realized the locking hubs had broken pieces and I couldn't get them to go back in, so I bought two new ones, Motorcraft brand. The passenger side wheel bearing I noticed was a little crunchy so I put on a new bearing, but now I can't get my new locking hubs to install. I have tried rotating the wheel, and the axle shaft, and moving the axle shaft around with a pry bar, having the hubs locked and unlocked to no avail on either the drivers side or passenger side. Any tips?
2006 Ford F350 4x4 270k miles.
2006 Ford F350 4x4 270k miles.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 897
Likes: 256
From: San Diego, CA
I had a similar experience with new Warn hubs just last week. I couldn't get either to install. I ended up using a wire wheel to "buff out" the splines on the Warn hubs. There appeared to be some extra flashing from the casting process. I also used a light coat of grease on the splines. They finally went in but it was pretty annoying.
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 50
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From: Arizona
To follow up. I had to replace the axles, probably could have replaced just the stub shafts on the end and new Ujoints but I just did the whole axle. And I went with the Warn hubs. The Ford hubs fit too, but wanted better reliability. Despite a claim on Amazon, the Warn hubs don't maintain shift on the fly capability. The kit includes caps for the vacuum lines.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 31,945
Likes: 9,190
From: Western NY
To follow up. I had to replace the axles, probably could have replaced just the stub shafts on the end and new Ujoints but I just did the whole axle. And I went with the Warn hubs. The Ford hubs fit too, but wanted better reliability. Despite a claim on Amazon, the Warn hubs don't maintain shift on the fly capability. The kit includes caps for the vacuum lines.
Last edited by Overkill2; Mar 27, 2025 at 10:43 AM. Reason: edit post
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 50
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From: Arizona
So I don't think they do have auto locking hubs. This is the email I got from them when I asked about them being auto locking. "Our hubs are manual locking. So, you would need to lock them in first. Then when you need 4WD, you would flip the switch in the cab of your truck. When you are back to driving on the street, you want to disengage the hubs back to free."
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 17,500
Likes: 2,777
From: Northern Ontario
You can just leave the warn hubs locked when you think you’ll be using 4 wheel drive, no need to get out and lock / unlock them repeatedly, until you know you don’t want it again.
Most in the snow belt areas lock them in the fall, and unlock in the spring. The front axles will be driven by the wheels, no harm. It’s good to keep the front drive train exercised periodically anyway. Mine are locked 6-7 months of the year, transfer case engaged or not.
The hubs should be serviced annually. I used to pull the caps out and clean/lube the selector cap orings in my ‘04. Eventually I installed a set of Warn. Premiums with the brass get real stiff in the cold, I doubt you’ll have an issue in Arizona.
Before I hear the arguments (I’m becoming cynical on here…). Yes, locking your hubs will wear your front axle faster, almost as fast as your rear axle…… Sort of like GM, or new Fords with full time locked hubs.
Most in the snow belt areas lock them in the fall, and unlock in the spring. The front axles will be driven by the wheels, no harm. It’s good to keep the front drive train exercised periodically anyway. Mine are locked 6-7 months of the year, transfer case engaged or not.
The hubs should be serviced annually. I used to pull the caps out and clean/lube the selector cap orings in my ‘04. Eventually I installed a set of Warn. Premiums with the brass get real stiff in the cold, I doubt you’ll have an issue in Arizona.
Before I hear the arguments (I’m becoming cynical on here…). Yes, locking your hubs will wear your front axle faster, almost as fast as your rear axle…… Sort of like GM, or new Fords with full time locked hubs.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 31,945
Likes: 9,190
From: Western NY
It's nice to have the option to lock/unlock the front diff when you want to. I live in the Buffalo, NY area and always unlocked the front diff when the storms were gone, and I wasn't plowing -- with my old truck which I did commercially. Personally, I never minded locking/unlocking them when I wanted to... I actually believe that along with auto headlights and rain sensors for wipers along with "auto" hubs, has made most folks pretty lazy and spoiled...
but yes, I do hear you on having the front diff turning every so often which is good for the front gears and axle shaft bearings. I grease my front u-joints every year before wintertime...
but yes, I do hear you on having the front diff turning every so often which is good for the front gears and axle shaft bearings. I grease my front u-joints every year before wintertime...
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