This procedure covers the removal and installation of automatic locking hubs on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, enabling conversion from manual hubs or replacement of worn automatic hub assemblies.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Automatic locking hub assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or compatible aftermarket
• Automatic locking hub assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or compatible aftermarket
• Hub seal kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel bearing grease (high-temp) × 1 — NLGI Grade 2 multi-purpose
• Spindle nut × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin kit × 1 — Assorted sizes

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front crossmember jacking points
5. Position jack stands under frame rails behind front suspension
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability
7. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
8. Clean wheel hub area with brake cleaner and wire brush to remove dirt and corrosion
9. Prepare clean workspace with parts trays for small components like snap rings and fasteners

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove existing hub assembly or hub cap
   If automatic locking hubs are already installed, use hub lock pliers or spanner wrench to remove the outer hub body by turning counterclockwise. If manual hubs or standard caps are present, remove the retaining bolts (count varies by manufacturer, commonly 5 or 6) securing the cap to the hub. Keep all hardware organized in parts tray.
2. 2

   Remove spindle nut and washer
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the spindle nut castle. Using appropriate socket, remove the spindle nut and flat washer. Set aside and inspect threads for damage. If converting from manual to automatic hubs, the existing spindle nut may need replacement with automatic hub-compatible version.
3. 3

   Extract outer wheel bearing
   Carefully pull the hub and rotor assembly outward approximately 1-2 inches. The outer wheel bearing cone will slide forward on the spindle. Remove the outer bearing and set aside on clean shop towel. Inspect bearing races and rollers for pitting, scoring, or discoloration indicating overheating.
4. 4

   Remove hub and rotor assembly
   Fully remove the hub and brake rotor assembly from the spindle by pulling straight outward. Be careful not to allow the inner bearing to fall out. Place assembly on clean work surface with outer face down to prevent inner bearing and seal from dropping out prematurely.
5. 5

   Extract inner bearing and seal
   Turn hub assembly inner face up. Using brass drift and hammer, carefully drive out the inner grease seal from the back side of the hub. Remove the inner wheel bearing cone. Inspect bearing and race for wear. Clean hub cavity thoroughly with brake cleaner and shop towels, removing all old grease.
6. 6

   Inspect and prepare bearing races
   Inspect inner and outer bearing races (cups) pressed into the hub for pitting, scoring, or uneven wear patterns. If races show any damage, they must be driven out using bearing race driver or appropriate punch and replaced as matched set with bearings. Clean all bearing surfaces with brake cleaner and dry completely.
7. 7

   Pack wheel bearings with grease
   Using bearing packer tool or hand-packing method, work high-temperature wheel bearing grease into both inner and outer wheel bearing cones. Ensure grease penetrates completely between all rollers. Continue packing until grease extrudes from opposite side of bearing. Coat bearing races in hub with thin layer of grease.
8. 8

   Install inner bearing and seal
   Place packed inner bearing cone into inner race of hub. Apply grease to outer lip of new grease seal. Using seal driver or large socket matching seal outer diameter, carefully drive new seal into hub bore until flush with hub face. Ensure seal is seated squarely and completely.
9. 9

   Reinstall hub assembly onto spindle
   Carefully slide hub and rotor assembly onto spindle, ensuring inner bearing slides over spindle smoothly. Push hub fully onto spindle until it seats against the inner seal. Avoid cocking or binding the seal during installation.
10. 10

    Install outer bearing and adjust preload
    Place packed outer bearing cone onto spindle and into outer race. Install flat washer and spindle nut. Hand-tighten spindle nut while rotating hub forward (clockwise) to seat bearings. Torque spindle nut to the bearing manufacturer's specified seating value while rotating hub (commonly 25-50 ft-lbs to fully seat bearings), then back off and re-tighten per the manufacturer's procedure for the specific axle/hub in use. Hand-tighten nut until just snug with no play, then back off to nearest cotter pin slot. Install new cotter pin and bend ends securely.
11. 11

    Verify bearing endplay
    Mount dial indicator with magnetic base to spindle or suspension component with indicator tip contacting hub face. Zero indicator. Pull and push hub assembly in and out on spindle by hand. Endplay should measure 0.001 to 0.005 inches. If outside specification, readjust spindle nut until correct endplay is achieved.
12. 12

    Install automatic locking hub body
    Clean mating surface on hub where automatic locking hub will mount. Apply light coat of grease to splines on spindle end. Position automatic locking hub assembly over spindle with cam actuator in unlocked position per manufacturer instructions. Align bolt holes or threads.
13. 13

    Secure automatic locking hub
    If hub uses bolt-on design, install the retaining bolts (count varies by manufacturer, commonly 5 or 6) in a star pattern and torque to the hub manufacturer's specification. If hub uses threaded body design, thread hub body clockwise onto hub using hub lock pliers or spanner wrench, tightening to manufacturer specification. Ensure hub engages splines correctly and rotates freely.
14. 14

    Test automatic hub engagement
    Rotate the hub selector dial or mechanism through lock and unlock positions several times. Verify smooth operation and positive engagement. In locked position, attempt to rotate driveshaft by hand (if accessible) - hub should prevent rotation. In unlocked position, hub should spin freely independent of axle shaft.
15. 15

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Complete identical procedure on opposite front hub assembly, following steps 1 through 14. Ensure both hubs are same model and adjusted to identical bearing preload specification for even wear and proper vehicle handling.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels onto hubs and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Raise vehicle slightly using floor jack to unload jack stands
3. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs in star pattern using torque wrench
5. Test hub engagement by driving vehicle short distance and cycling hubs between locked and unlocked positions
6. Verify no unusual noise, vibration, or binding during operation

Verification

• With vehicle on ground and hubs unlocked, verify front wheels rotate freely by hand with no binding or grinding noise
• Engage automatic hubs to locked position and verify they positively engage without slipping
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (under 10 mph) and verify no vibration, pulling, or unusual noise from front hubs
• Cycle hubs between locked and unlocked positions 5 times and verify smooth, consistent operation
• After 50-100 miles of driving, recheck wheel bearing endplay and spindle nut torque, adjust if necessary
• Inspect for any grease leakage around hub seals indicating improper installation or defective seals

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