Manual hubs trying to self-engage

[shouldaboughtahat]

Okay guys, twice now my manual hubs have turned just enough to clatter when I drive a very rough gravel road. Any ideas why?

 

[1BEATK5]

What hubs?,what axle?

 

[shouldaboughtahat]

88 k5. 10 bolt axle, no locker. As far as I can tell they are factory hubs. The axle had all new bearings and seals replaced two years ago. It has worked fine Including some four-wheeling in the San Jauns in Colorado.
The road that causes this is very washboarded and speed was about 45 mph.

 

[Fordum]

Well, you could always try slowing down........

But, if you are like me, thats not really an option.

Depending on the type of hub, there is usually a detent or something in the free position that holds them there.

Some models you can pull just the cap off. You might try that and see what is what.

 

[Blue85]

Factory manual hubs in '88?

I would take it apart and make sure the hub is assembled right and the wheel bearing nuts aren't backing themselves off.

 

[dremu]

Don't believe manual hubs were factory, pretty sure they were all automatic. [EDIT: thanks Scott! ]

The manual hubs I've seen -- which, admitted, are all Warn Premiums -- have required a fair mount of force to turn, more than casual hand pressure. I actually made a tool from a PVC tee notched out on the tip to make it easier in the winter.

If it really is the hubs locking/unlocking, the spring under the cap would be my first suspicion, that it's worn or broken.

Also, as mentioned, the spindle nut is famous for coming loose and wreaking havoc, so it's a good idea when the hub is out to check their tightness and wiggle the wheel, make sure the ball joints are okay and the spindle's intact.

-- A

 

[4X4HIGH]

Don't believe manual hubs were factory, pretty sure they were all AUTOMATIC.

The manual hubs I've seen -- which, admitted, are all Warn Premiums -- have required a fair mount of force to turn, more than casual hand pressure. I actually made a tool from a PVC tee notched out on the tip to make it easier in the winter.

If it really is the hubs locking/unlocking, the spring under the cap would be my first suspicion, that it's worn or broken.

Also, as mentioned, the spindle nut is famous for coming loose and wreaking havoc, so it's a good idea when the hub is out to check their tightness and wiggle the wheel, make sure the ball joints are okay and the spindle's intact.

-- A

Aaron, fixed it for you.

 

[thatK30guy]

Aaron, fixed it for you.

Yep, automatic. Say the "4x4" on them. Can't remember any time I ever saw one of these with factory lockouts. They were almost always swapped on by the owner.

 

[dremu]

Aaron, fixed it for you.

I knew what I meant, glad someone could read what I meant and not what I said Fixed it, thanks.

-- A

 

[TheBeast_88K5]

CLEAN YOUR HUBS....

 

[Deuling]

My warn lockouts have to click into the lock position. Just sayin

 

[dremu]

CLEAN YOUR HUBS....

Me, or the OP? Mine are downright shiny on the outside and only very lightly lubed on the in.

I discovered they do not like being greased like wheel bearings. More is not always better.

-- A

 

[shouldaboughtahat]

Thanks for all the replies. Next time I get some time off and my teenager doesn't have activities I will jack it up and check for looseness as well as pull, check and clean things.

Forum - I would slow down, but on these arrow straight Nebraska gravel roads you might get run over!

 

[shouldaboughtahat]

Thanks for all the replies. Next time I get some time off and my teenager doesn't have activities I will jack it up and check for looseness as well as pull, check and clean things.

Fordum - I would slow down, but on these arrow straight Nebraska gravel roads you might get run over!

 

[shouldaboughtahat]

Sorry, I just realized I double posted. Dang one finger touch screen tapping.

 

[82355]

Where at in "Central Nebraska"???

Martin

 

[shouldaboughtahat]

Kearney. Grew up around Columbus a long time ago.