Removal (Explorer & Ranger)
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheels. Remove retainer washers from lug nut studs and remove automatic locking hub assembly from spindle. See Figure. Remove snap ring from end of spindle shaft. Remove axle shaft spacer. Being careful not to damage plastic moving cam or thrust spacers, pull cam assembly off wheel bearing adjusting nut, and remove 2 plastic thrust spacers from adjusting nut.CAUTION: DO NOT pry on cam or spacers during removal, as it may damage cam or spacers.
- Using a magnet, remove double-hump locking key. It may be necessary to rotate adjusting nut slightly to relieve pressure against locking key before key can be removed.
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to spindle threads, look into spindle keyway under adjusting nut and remove separate locking key before removing adjusting nut (if necessary).