Locking hub install, need advice.

[Project79]

I recently bought Warn 20990 locking hubs to put into my 1979 Chevy k20 10 bolt front end to replace the old Spicer locking hubs that wouldn't turn. Previous owner told me they were junk and needed to be replaced. I got them both installed, the drivers side hub is hard to turn but will turn to lock and the passenger side will go about 3/4 to full lock and then i cant turn it any farther. The previous hubs were completely packed full of grease when i removed them, i cleaned some out and only used the grease that came on the warn hubs which seemed like enough to me. They both had a little play before cap was put on, can anyone tell me how much play they should have? Maybe too much grease? i am stumped as to why they would do this.

This is before.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Charlie]

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site. What do you mean by play? What was wrong with the originals or were you just going by what the PO thought? Before installing the hubs did you twist them back and forth to check the operation?

If it were me, I would, since you are already there, pull off the rotors and check / repack the inner/outer bearings to make sure there is no dirt in there and the bearings are in good shape. Clean all the parts and light coat the parts as you install them. This way you know all the parts in the hub/rotor are good and issue lies with the locking hub assembly.

 

[Project79]

The previous hubs wouldnt turn all the way. I took his word for it that they were shot. I twisted the new ones back and forth and they work fine off the truck. Also the passenger side that wont go past 3/4 will turn all the way if i dont tighten the cap all the way down. By play i mean in the install manual that came with them it says to check for play by installing two of the six bolts and it should move in and out a little bit. They both move a little. Is it possible that bad bearings can cause this?

 

[nvrenuf]

When the new locking hub binds up, have you tried turning the wheel hub to see if it will then lock completely when the parts line up?

Heavy grease is the devil for locking hubs and is most likely the reason the old set wouldn't work.

 

[Project79]

I will have to give it a try when i get time, if turning it doesnt work I'll have to dig into it and see what i find. Is there anything in particular to look for that would be a sign of something wrong? I appreciate the help.

 

[highdesertrange]

I thought I did a detailed post on how to make the spicer hubs work real easy. I can't seem to find it. I don't want to do it all again. I will keep looking. with a little TLC a five year old can lock/unlock the spicer's. highdesertranger

 

[highdesertrange]

ah ha I found it. follow the instructions I gave in post #2 and the Spicer locking hubs will work like a champ.

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/spicer-oem-front-locking-hub-service-info.21713/#post-417761

highdesertranger