Warn Hubs - Normal Operation Question

[xylorex]

Hello, i have a 1987 GMC V1500 with the warn premium hubs installed.  i am driving it daily in new orleans, and haven't been locking them in monthly as recommended.

should they click / snap into place on both the free and lock positions?  yesterday i locked them to drive around the block and i noticed that they didnt seem to "click" into place when i turn them to lock, only when turning back to free they snap into place. 

thank you.

[Jason S]

It should have a "detent" where it clicks or snaps into lock or free. Though there may be broken parts in the hub; In my experience, most locking hub issues are from lack of service/maintenance or someone left parts out.

If you have to use pliers to get the hub to lock or unlock, then you have a problem.  In many cases, all  you have to do is remove the hub and clean/degrease and reassemble with fresh grease.

[xylorex]

thanks for the reply.

i disassembled the hubs a few days ago, when they are off the truck the click into free and lock.  when i put them on, they only click when turned into the free position.

maybe i'm doing something wrong, but they seem fairly simple.

[zieg85]

It has been a while but I think what you describe is normal.  When you are engaging by turning the hub knob you are putting pressure on the spring,  it engages when the truck moves so you won't hear it click.

[ehjorten]

I never hear a click on my Warn premiums on my '77 and they work just fine.

[frotosride]

the Warn's I have are only a few months old and have only ben engaged a few times. I just went out and engaged them and as I pass through free into lock as well as lock back to free there is a definite click/snap as it releases and retracts the sleeve that engages the hub. could be worn parts. I know that on the cheaper ones like I have that have the high density black plastic, the plastic that actuates the hub can wear after a lot of abuse. This is why some people wear by the Premiums.