front end, bad locking hubs?

[Cape Codder]

Long time reader, first time poster here. Great site!

I have a 1985 CJ7 straight 6, 4 speed T-176 , Dana 300 . Replaced original locking hubs with new mile-marker locking hubs about 2 years 5k miles ago.

The Problem: When driving anywhere from 20-45MPH in any gear noises will come from the front end / wheels. Usually just one side at a time, mostly driver side. The sound is a slight rattle/ quick clanking. Can happen independently, or sometimes over small bumps or pot holes, not large holes usually. Steering/hitting holes have no effect as it can not be consistently recreated. Sometimes will happen a lot in a couple minutes, sometime won’t happen for few days.

Have engaged hubs on one side and both, left in 2wd and driven around, noise seems to stop, but sometimes other noises with the hubs lucked axles moving like a different grinding sound. Not a lot, but once in a while.

other than that everything is fine and it runs and drives great! but I am concerned about what is wrong?

could this be a problem with the hubs I put on? Are they broken and I should replace with the warn? any help or ideas?

 

[Heavychevy]

Disassemble them for inspection, it may be something that is very minor. Mile marker hubs have a great reputation. Better yet call their service dept, it may be a part that the factory may have an improved assembly. Good lluck on the hubs. Tommy

 

[gr8dain]

I agree with the recommendation to disassemble the hub(s). Start with the driver side since you say you notice the noise there.

Make sure that the nuts for the hub are secure. I had one constantly backing off allowing the washers to loosen up and clack around. Took three times before I had the inner washer bent around the inner washer enough to lock it in place at the proper torque spec. I got to be an “expert” on hub removal by the time I was done. Then I went and upgraded to 6 bolt hubs/locks and got to do it again.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

:ww:

Also check the u-joints in the front axle shafts.
I have run MM hubs for many years. They have been the best made hubs I have ever seen.
With our 5-bolts hubs. Be sure you have the outer part of the hub indexed correctly. Sounds like they are not.
http://milemarker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/MM-Bolt-On-Inst-HL.pdf

LG