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Automatic Locking Hubs

DISASSEMBLY & ASSEMBLY

Navajo and 1994–97 B Series Pick-up Models
OUTER HUB COVER

Fig. 1: Exploded view of the automatic locking hubs and related components

  1. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts.
  2. Raise and safely support the front of the vehicle.
  3. Remove the lug nuts and wheel/tire assembly.
  4. If equipped, remove the lug nut retainer washers from the wheel studs.

    NOTE: Some gentle tapping with a soft faced hammer may help to loosen the locking hub cover if it seems stuck.

  5. Remove the automatic locking hub cover assembly from the rotor by pulling straight outward.
  6. Inspect the O-ring seal on the back side of the hub assembly and, if damaged, replace it.
  7. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Ensure that the rotor mounting face is flat and free of burrs, dirt or grease, especially where the O-ring seal makes contact.
INNER HUB LOCKING CAM

Fig. 2: Exploded view of the locking cam assembly

  1. Remove the outer hub cover.
  2. Remove the snap-ring from the end of the splined axle shaft.
  3. Remove the axle shaft spacer(s).

    WARNING
    Do not pry on the locking cam or thrust spacers during removal. Prying may damage the cam or spacers.

  4. Pull the locking cam assembly and the two thrust spacers (behind cam assembly) from the wheel bearing adjusting nut.
  5. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Make sure to install the two thrust spacers first. Also, when pushing or pressing the locking cam into position, ensure that the key in the cam assembly is aligned with the keyway of the front spindle.

    WARNING
    Extreme care must be taken when aligning the locking cam key with the keyway on the front spindle to prevent damage to the fixed cam.

    Fig. 3: When installing the outer hub cover, ensure that the legs on the cover seat in the pockets on the locking cam

1998 B Series Pick-up Models

While the 1998 B Series Pick-up is technically equipped with automatic locking hubs, the system is mounted to the axle housing itself and is called a vacuum disconnect axle lock. Refer to the procedures in this section.

MPV Models

While the MPV models are technically equipped with automatic locking hubs, the system is mounted to the axle housing itself and referred to as a freewheel mechanism. Refer to the procedures in this section.

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