Topic: Locked hubs??

[Lumbernasty]

I have a '95 Wranger 2.5 and once the ski season was over I noticed the front hubs felt locked all the time when I was driving around town and the in neighborhoods.  Both front halfshafts are turning when i drive, but the hubs dont look like they are located at the end of them.  The front driveshaft is not turning when going down the road.  One day the hubs no longer felt locked, but a new clicking, loose sound was comming from the front right corner.  Does this sound like a problem with the hubs or maybe something else?  I've tried going into and out of four wheel a few times and the noise is still there.

[lanulos89]

hmm good question, well if your bend down and can freely spin the front shaft, you hubs shouldn't be locked.  i think thats correct, correct me if ium wrong people.  Otherwise, i look foward to hearing what fixes your jeep b/c it sounds weird.

[MA2LA]

I could be something in the axle disconect system that didn't disengage. YJs don't have tradional locking hubs , they use a vacume motor to move a locking sleave that locks the 2 pieces of axle together.

[Jeffy]

I agree, I'd suspect the vacuum disconnect.  Although, when in 4wd, the driveshaft should turn even if the front wheels don't.  If you look in the FAQ for NP/NVG231, there is a vacuum diagram and pictures that should help.

[Lumbernasty]

I tested the switch inside the housing and it worked.  Also lifted the front end in 2wd and each wheel spun independently.  Lifted the front on 4wd and the wheels spun opposite like they should.  I'm thinking the hub are locking and unlocking properly.  Are there any good methods to check the condition of the bearing and u-joint with out taking everything apart?  Its the next best guess I have for the cause of obnoxious noise.

[Jeffy]

With the front jacked up, grab the wheel and give it a shake.  It should not rock in any direction.  That will tell you if the wheel bearings are ok.

For the U-joints, you'll have to do a bit more disassembling.  Although you could try rotating the tire by hand and watching the U-joint.  With the front jacked up still, you can turn the tire by hand.  If you unlock the steering wheel you should be and to turn it also.  To really check for play you'll probably want it in 4wd to keep the driveshaft and inner shfts from turning then see if you can rotate the tire and judge how much play is between the outer axle and the inner axle shaft.

[Lumbernasty]

Turned out to be the u-joint.  Where can I find instructions on replacing it?

[Jeffy]

Take the wheel and caliper off.  Then remove the disc.  Undo the three 15 mm bolts on the backside of the knuckle and pull the while shaft out.  Then you can take it to a work bench and deal with the U-joint.

This should help explain the rest.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/ujoint_install/

[Lumbernasty]

Is it ture I need to take out the hub switch and housing to remove the axle shaft or once those outer components are removed I can just slide it out and then eventually back in with no problems?  It is on the passenger side.

[Jeffy]

You'll want to open it up so when you put it back together it goes back alright.  There is only a fork and a collar that you need to slip over the shaft.