Front Axle and Locking Hub problems

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Clubcar

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My son just purchased a 1995 Bronco XLT (he's 15, so it's a father/son project).  When we locked the hubs, we got a clunking noise from the passenger side front wheel.  Unlocked the hubs and the passenger side remained locked and clunking.  Went to replace the Warn lockers and the axle is not centered and will not move. 
 
My question is, is this a bent axle or a hub issue?  Any help is appreciated before we pull it apart.  I'm new to FWD mechanics....
 
Thanks
Glenn 
 

Bully Bob

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See if you can turn the shaft with some channel locks.., if it wobbles, it's likely the shaft. 

In any case., something is broken or amiss in there..!  

It's not hard at all. Take pics as you go if you're worried. It helps to get things back in the correct order.

AND/OR take notes.  Lay parts in order on a towel/rag.

Could be a failed U-joint.

Axle service 001.JPG

Axle service 002.JPG

Axle service 003.JPG

 
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Seabronc

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Could be the bearing.  You will need a spindle socket to get the nut off.  Re-installation requires a torque wrench to properly seat the nuts.

Good luck,

:)>-

 

miesk5

96 Bronco 5.0
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Yo Glenn,

As Bob and Fred advised and;

Operational Test; "...To CHECK FOR PROPER ENGAGEMENT, dial both hubs to LOCK and raise the front left corner of the vehicle off the ground. Spin the lifted tire. The drive line will turn if the Hub is engaging properly.

***TO CHECK FOR PROPER DISENGAGEMENT, dial the lifted wheel hub into FREE and spin the lifted wheel. If the drive line does not turn AND you hear NO ratcheting sounds, the hub is disengaging properly.***

Repeat step 5- 6 with the right wheel & hub. NOTE: The hubs are not required to seat against the wheel housing when installed, they may move in and out quite easily. This floatis normal and will not affect performance..."

Source: by Warn®

....

On the manual hubs you may find carmelized grease, and some surface rust, and probably a spring heavily rusted, to the point that the hub lock may be ruined.

...

hubparts-bj.jpg

"...This diagram shows a common manual locking hub. Note that, to make the drawing easier, the axle tube (bright green) is shown inclined. But in actuality, it is perfectly horizontal, and the spindle & stub shaft (red) are angled slightly down. The axis of the ball joints (the centers of the balls; not necessarily the shafts) must pass through the center of the U-joint whenever the U-joint is rotating. That's why the location of the outer shaft (crimson) is critical, and the snap ring at its outboard end must be installed..." by Stephen

To remove and replace the manual hubs, adjust bearing lock nut with torque specifications, etc., see...

96 Bronco-F-Series Workshop Manual (PARTIAL) by FORD via

http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stjleft.htm

96 is same as most earlier years especially 92-96, except for:

92 through 95 uses the Electronic Engine Control, version Four (EEC-IV, aka On Board Diagnostics (OBD-I)) engine management computer

96 uses the OBD-II (EEC-V) engine management computer;

4WABS (93-96);

RABS (87-92);

Air Bag (94-96);

3 ***** Automatic Locking Hubs (Built from May 95 through 96); Spark Plug Wire Routing & Firing Order (The firing order for 1987-1993 5.0Ls is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. The firing order for 1994- 96 5.0Ls & all 5.8Ls is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8.);

R134a in 94-96;

2-piece Spindle Rolling Diaphragm Seal (RDS) used on 5/95 to 96 Broncos & F Series 1/2-ton 4WD;

Mass Air Flow in 95 5.8 California models and in all 96s, other years used Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP).

96 5.8 do not have the Air Injection (AIR), Secondary Air Injection; Pump (Smog Pump), Thermactor Air Bypass (TAB) & Thermactor Air Diverter (TAD) Solenoids; Diverter, Check & Bypass Valves, Cross-Over Tube, etc. But 96 5.0 does have the system.

The 96, Vapor Management Valve (VMV) replaces the canister purge valve (CanP valve) used in EEC IV.

The Speed Control Deactivation Switch (SCDS) in a 93 Bronco is located on the driver side frame rail, but in 94 through 96 it is on the master cylinder.

Still researching other differences.

Go to Section 05-03C: Wheel Hubs and Bearings, Front Wheels, 4-Wheel Drive

ADJUSTMENTS

Front Wheel Bearing @ http://www.diesel-dave.com/vehic/manual/stj/stj53c09.htm#extract_925

Scroll down to Manual Locking Hubs

It will also directbyounto,other sections in the manual to; Remove caliper and brake pads. Refer to Section 06-03.

&

Remove the hublock assembly. Refer to the Manual Locking Hub removal and installation procedures in this section.

etc.

Best is to print it out.

....

Since it has Warn manual hubs, I assume a previous owner or shop swapped the original automatic locking hubs; or swapped the Ford manual hubs that were supplies by Warn.

Use the pics and other info in this;

3 ***** to Warn® w/ Bearing Locknut Torque Settings in a 95 (but his TORQUES are off a bit as compared to the Ford manual). miesk5 NOTE: "Word for word from Haynes Manual Ford Pickups and Bronco 1980 - 1996 Using a lockout spanner (ford # T59T-1197-B or equivalent ) and a torque wrench, tighten the inner bearing adjusting nut to 50 foot pounds while rotating the wheel back and forth and seating the bearing. Back off the adjusting nut approximately 45 degrees. Assemble the lock washer by turning the inner lockout to align the pin with the nearest hole in the lock washer. To lock it, install the outer lock nut and tighten it to 150 foot pounds. Grab the top of the tire with one hand and the bottom of the tire with the other. Move the tire in and out on the spindle. End play should be less than .006“ inch.)" thanks to Chris!!!!

Source: by TRUCKY18 (Bco) at http://www.supermotors.net/registry/3749/14884#content

To view narrative and show all images on one page, under TRUCKY18's name in upper left, click Select Alternate View; click; Large Images + Captions & Forums Links

Can obtain bearing lock nut socket aka lockout spanner (ford # T59T-1197-B or equivalent from local parts stores. Some may loan it to you with refundable deposit.

Also referred to as Spindle Nut Socket, Dana 44, etc.

http://shop.broncograveyard.com/Spindle-Nut-Socket-Dana-44/productinfo/29625/

 
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