Warn hub hard to turn

[larrie-SMB]

A couple of weeks go I was camping in the Crooked River National Grasslands. When I locked and unlocked the front hubs the driver side engaged as usual. The passenger side knob was much harder to turn both locking and unlocking it. I have not had this problem before. Anybody else have this problem?

 

[deserteagle56]

When is the last time you took them apart, cleaned them and relubed them? That one could have some dirt or corrosion in there...but it needs to be checked out or it may leave you stranded when you need it most.

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

Cleaned and lubed hubs are key, that's for sure. But inbetween cleanings, which we all put off, having a little extra help is justified, or when the weather is really cold and they like to stick.

Homemade tool in my aresenal.

 

[doublevan2]

What size pvc did you select ? I'll brew up one for my tool kit ! Thanks -

 

[larrie-SMB]

That tool is an excellent idea. Will take the hub apart and lube it as soon as it stops raining.

 

[kbeefy]

Cleaned and lubed hubs are key, that's for sure. But inbetween cleanings, which we all put off, having a little extra help is justified, or when the weather is really cold and they like to stick.

Homemade tool in my aresenal.

I don't have a picture, but I use a pvc Tee of about the same diameter. (1 1/2 I think) The Tee portion makes a handle and give you lots of leverage.

 

[deserteagle56]

I don't have a picture, but I use a pvc Tee of about the same diameter. (1 1/2 I think) The Tee portion makes a handle and give you lots of leverage.

A Tee is what I use also.

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

I'll have to check the size and come back and post. Yes, a T-would make it even better, and I think I've seen some with a larger diameter "knob" instead which would also help. I was going for a quick tool build.

Herb

 

[Twoxentrix]

I'll have to check the size and come back and post. Yes, a T-would make it even better, and I think I've seen some with a larger diameter "knob" instead which would also help. I was going for a quick tool build.

Herb

Herb, in all my years I've never encountered a problem adjusting my hub's, but after I viewed your post I immediately thought 'how ingenious"!

No doubt there are 50 ways to 'skin that cat', and your contribution had me contemplating my recourse if ever faced with the situation. Probably would have spread a pair of plyers and placed a 'jaw' on each side, then used the handles for leverage to turn them...in any case, I'm now prepared. It's innocent contributions (like yours) I find inherently useful. Kind of fun to see others have done similar.
Thanks!

 

[kbeefy]

I think I've seen some with a larger diameter "knob" instead which would also help.

We used to sell one like that, I believe it was called a 'Hubber'.


After looking at it I decided to make a copy from PCV.




Yup, here it is...


https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/rp-the-hubber-hub-tools/prod310138

 

[lchukar]

If you need to use a special tool every time, there is something wrong with your hubs. But in a pinch, Channel Lock pliers do the trick.
When you get your Huns serviced be sure they know to use the right type of grease. I had. Shop use the wrong type one, it froze up once a little water got inside( which always happens) the the hubs didn’t engage properly, and they stripped out. I thought I had 4 whelk drive, instead only 2 wheel. Got buried in mud. Only time I ever used my winch and all 4 Max Tracks. And 5 hours of my tiime.

 

[larrie-SMB]

When you get your Huns serviced be sure they know to use the right type of grease. I had. Shop use the wrong type one, it froze up once a little water got inside( which always happens) the the hubs didn’t engage properly, and they stripped out. I thought I had 4 whelk drive, instead only 2 wheel. Got buried in mud. Only time I ever used my winch and all 4 Max Tracks. And 5 hours of my tiime.

Anyone have recommendations on what type of grease to use?

 

[doublevan2]

I'm with Larrie -- be interested in the "right" grease !

 

[lchukar]

Anyone have recommendations on what type of grease to use?

I am afraid I don’t know the grease brand name or type. There is a great shop here in Boise that specializes in nothing but drivetrains. Every year in the fall before the rains I take my van to them for a once over. Then I head for the gumbo mud of the Owyhees.

 

[doublevan2]

Any chance of checking with this shop - and forward a phone # or address/name - some of us would like to get this grease info - I'm guessing some type of "marine grease" due to water, etc. Thanks for any info passed on !

 

[lchukar]

To doublevan2, Laurie, and anyone else tuned in to this thread: the shop here in Boise (actually nearby Garden City) is Jim’s Drivetrain. A great old school kind of place. They say no matter what you end up with water in the hubs, if you spend a lot of time in deep water of serious wet conditions. With the “wrong” grease the whole grease blob tends to freeze a bit, so that the springs can’s fully engage or disengage the hubs, and things get stripped out. In warm or dry conditions this is not a factor. So they use a “light” white lithium grease. But a heavy lithium is too much, and turns into a paste that can cause problems.
Also for the ease of turning the hubs they spray it with some sort silicone spray that makes it easy to turn, but does not seem to collect dirt and grit and cause problems in that way.
That’s all I got.

 

[larrie-SMB]

Thanks for the information. Now I just need to find time to clean and regrease them.

 

[doublevan2]

Thanks Ichukar - much appreciated ! I "lost" my bearings on my first van on a virgin trip up to Alaska, after driving thru the Stikine River (tidal river - salt !) in BC., when the tide was out. Of course didn't know not a "brilliant idea" until about 4 months later when wonderful sounds emanated from the hubs, etc. About $ 1,800 bucks repair !

 

[SierraHawk]

Take it apart. Make sure the springs are in their respective places inside the hub and no one has added anything else. Clean out any grease or oil. There is a retainer clip that is supposed to fit into a grove on the ends of the splines. Problem is the clips do not stay on. Yours may have worked its way into the mechanism. Only use a silicone spray for lubrication.