Hub Key

I just replaced my axle shafts and have new wheel hubs.

Is the hub key supposed to slide in easily or am I supposed to hammer it in.

 

Lay the key onto axle groove than slide the hub into place. It should slide into place with slight resistance (no pounding necessary). If it seems way to tight check the key for burs/dents, also the grooves in axle and hub should be clear of burs/dents. If all is clear of interference's fit the key to the grooves by filing and chamfer the ends so it guides easer. Make sure it is the right key, height isn't as important as width, but it should still slide easily into the groove in both the hub and axle. Don't pound it together, remember you have to take it apart.

 

Installing the key as noted above can cause you a world of grief. If you aren't very carefull the key will slide in further in the axle groove and bind up the whole works, possibly cracking the hub. Here's how "the book" says to do it. Put the hub on the axle and line up the grooves in each part. Push the key into the slot followed by the washer and the nut. The bevel on the key faces the axle and goes in first. I believe the torque is minimum 150 ft. lbs.

 

:iagree:

Might consider buying factory service manual for things like this.