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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: MRDEAN40 on March 07, 2007, 12:58:06 AM

Title: Tips on cleaning and lubing locking hubs?
Post by: MRDEAN40 on March 07, 2007, 12:58:06 AM

Hello, I want to clean and relube my locking hubs as soon as the weather warms up. Does anyone have any tips on doing this? I want to get them ready for wheeling this summer. What kind of lube should I use inside the hubs? Thanks,
Dean

Title: Re: Tips on cleaning and lubing locking hubs?
Post by: Skyhiranger on March 07, 2007, 06:54:44 AM

Tips:
Pay attention to how the hubs are assembled.  Most people have problems with reassembling them the first time or two.
I use brake cleaner and an old toothbrush to clean the hubs up good.  I fully disassemble them (even take the lock-out dial out).
If you take the lock-out dial out....don't lose the little ball and spring...they will sometimes go shooting out, when you remove the lock-out dial.  Be sure to lube up the ball and spring before reassembling...it helps hold them in place, plus make the dial turn easier.
Be careful with the o-rings, there is one between the lock-out hub body and the wheel hub, and one between the lock-out dial the the hub body (I think).
I have used both wheel bearing grease and regular 30 wt. engine oil to lube them.  Basically, you just need to keep them lubed enough to keep them from rusting up.  The wheel bearing grease tends to get a little stiff (making the hub internals "sticky" in cold weather).  The 30 wt. engine oil tends to seep out a little around the dial face making it a little oily.  So it is kinda up to you on which you prefer to use.

Title: Re: Tips on cleaning and lubing locking hubs?
Post by: ROSS on March 07, 2007, 07:04:17 AM

I used a thin film of white lithium grease. not so stiff and desn't seap  out.

Title: Re: Tips on cleaning and lubing locking hubs?
Post by: biker on March 07, 2007, 07:18:32 AM

I use a product called Fluid Film, it's a spray type grease made from lambs wool and has excellent adhesion properties as well as repelling water. My hubs turn like new even in freezing weather.

Title: Re: Tips on cleaning and lubing locking hubs?
Post by: Amilla on March 07, 2007, 07:56:39 AM

My dad accidently pulled one of my hubs apart....and i was very glad i had the other hubb to look at. 

I just used some nice wheel bearing grease, hubbs are never really hard to turn, even when its been sittin in cold weather.


But about the hubs, take them apart one at a time. 
The first time i did it, the main spring was what held me up the most, its held in a werid way.

Amilla

Title: Re: Tips on cleaning and lubing locking hubs?
Post by: MRDEAN40 on March 08, 2007, 01:27:06 AM

Hey thanks for the tips! It's always nice to ask someone who has done this before.