repacking hubs?

[snowboarder2359]

have any of you repacked the hubs on manual locking frong axle? If so is it easy? and how often are you suppose to do this?

[reb]

I have done it on a few vehicles--'85 Toyota and some Scouts. As I recall, they don't need a lot of grease. It is probably more important to periodically repack your front bearings. When you do them, you will have the hubs off and can clean and relube them then. I don't know about yours, but it was possible to put the hubs on the others together in such a way that they wouldn't engage. I found that out the hard way in the middle of a snow storm in the back woods. Try them out when you put them back together.

[smasheromalley]

Ive "repacked" a few manual lockout hubs... if thats what your talking about. Geo, jeep, dodge and others. The Geo's hubs were corroded solid with rust and crap and with careful cleaning they were good as new when I was done. I didnt even have to get a new o-ring.

Just do it slow. If you dont have c-clip or snap-ring pliers go and buy them(after you see which toyota uses - im not sure). Clean the parts thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent and use a VERY THIN coat of silicone grease or wheel bearing grease on the splines. Dont use gobs of grease cause they will not work properly.

And like reb said there is a way to assemble them where they will not work properly, just pay attention to where the knob and the sliding collar contact each other and you will be fine.