Manual Locking Hub Bearing

[The Slider]

I have a 86 Bronco II. I can not turn the knob to engage my 4wd. I was told you can change the bearing in the hub. Does anyone know where I can get one? I don't want to change the hub if possible...

Thanks!
Chaz.

 

[Curious Hound]

I don't think you will find a bearing in the hub itself unless it's vastly different from the ones I've worked on.

Remove the hub. Take it completely apart. Clean all the pieces thoroughly and re-assemble with a light amount if grease on the parts. Do not pack it. That could make it not work. If you find broken parts, replace as needed. It's not a terrible job. Take pictures along the way to help you remember how it all goes back together.

Eric B

 

[The Slider]

Hmmm.. I thought there was a bearing in that hub.. I took the hub off and I can't turn the red knob. Someone one told me there was a bearing in it. I guess not. SIGH.

 

[Curious Hound]

No bearing there. The wheel bearings are in the brake rotor. There is also a needle bearing in the rear of the spindle that the shaft passes through.

If the knob won't turn at all, one thing I might try if I couldn't get a new hub, would be to put a lot of penetrating oil or even kerosene in the hub and let it sit over night or even for a few days. That might begin to dissolve old grease and start to break things loose so you can disassemble and clean it. But a new pair of hubs may not cost much at the junk yard. That's where I got mine to replace my auto hubs.

Eric B

 

[4x4junkie]

Older hubs do have a needle bearing that the locking gear rides on while the hub is unlocked. However this bearing would not affect being able to turn the dial (at least as long as other parts aren't frozen with rust, etc.).

Like said, disassemble the hub and clean everything up real good and then coat all the parts with a thin layer of grease. As long as nothing is broken or badly pitted from rust, the hub should be OK. IIRC there may be an O-ring that seals the dial to the hub case that might need replacement (this in addition to the large O-ring that seals the hub against the rotor).