WARN hub won't unlock

[Flash-Stash]

I have WARN locking hubs on my '92 Ranger. One hub won't unlock when I turn it to FREE. It clicks like the other one but doesn't release the axle shaft. If I take the hub off and put it back on it is unlocked. There is some wheel bearing grease in the hub but not so much that should cause a problem. WARN is no help as far as suggesting what the problem may be or supplying servicing/repair information. It seems to work fine when it's locked or unlocked.

 

[brinker88]

douse it in brake cleaner. Then LIGHTLY regrease it.

 

[4x4junkie]

You sure there wasn't a little bit of tension or bind on the axle shaft keeping the hub from releasing? (try rocking the driveshaft back & forth a bit by hand, or after jacking up the tire, rotate it some by hand. You should hear a *click* from the hub).

 

[Flash-Stash]

You sure there wasn't a little bit of tension or bind on the axle shaft keeping the hub from releasing? (try rocking the driveshaft back & forth a bit by hand, or after jacking up the tire, rotate it some by hand. You should hear a *click* from the hub).

Front end is on jackstands, I can turn one wheel without the axle shaft turning, I turn the wheel that is locked forward or back and the axle shaft turns with it. I take the hub off and put it back on and it turns freely then.

 

[4x4junkie]

In that case, I would do what brinker suggested.

Pull the hub apart (there's a clip with a tab around the inside that holds the guts in place) and then clean everything up good (don't try to take the dial end apart, there's no need to). Then apply a very light coating of wheel bearing grease over everything and reassemble. Do not pack the hubs full of grease, this can prevent them from engaging/disengaging properly.

 

[Flash-Stash]

I'll try that next, first I have to replace the lower ball joints in my daughter's Mountaineer.