Replace or service the manual locking hub assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine, restoring proper 4WD engagement capability.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Manual locking hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM or Warn replacement hub
• Axle nut cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub cover O-ring or gasket × 1 — Usually included with hub assembly
• Wheel bearing grease × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Set transfer case to 2WD mode
3. Set manual locking hub to UNLOCK position by rotating dial counterclockwise
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed on frame rails
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove hub cover assembly
   Remove the hub cover screws (typically 6-8 screws around the perimeter) using appropriate socket or screwdriver. Carefully pull the hub cover assembly away from the hub body. If stuck, use a rubber mallet to gently tap around the perimeter. Note the position of the cam assembly inside for reassembly reference.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove snap ring and internal components
   Using snap ring pliers, remove the large snap ring that retains the hub body to the axle shaft. Carefully remove the hub cam assembly, noting the orientation of all components. Remove the pressure spring and spring retainer if present. Keep all components organized for inspection or reassembly.
   ⚠Snap ring may have tension; wear safety glasses and ensure pliers have good grip to prevent components from flying out
3. 3

   Remove axle nut
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the axle nut using a hammer and punch. If nut is staked, carefully grind or chisel away the staked portion. Using a 36mm socket and breaker bar, remove the axle nut. This nut is torqued to 250 Nm and will require significant force to break loose.
   ℹ️Do not reuse the cotter pin; a new one must be installed during reassembly
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove hub body and inspect components
   Pull the hub body straight off the wheel studs and axle shaft. If stuck, tap evenly around the back of the hub body with a rubber mallet. Inspect the splines on the axle shaft for wear, damage, or debris. Inspect the hub body internal splines for wear. Clean all components thoroughly with brake cleaner and a wire brush.
   ⚠Do not damage the wheel studs or axle shaft threads during removal
5. 5

   Inspect wheel bearing and seal
   With the hub removed, inspect the outer wheel bearing and seal for proper condition. Check for excessive play, rough rotation, or contamination. If bearing service is needed, this is the ideal time to perform it. Ensure the bearing race is properly seated and the bearing is adequately greased.
   ℹ️If bearings show wear or damage, replace the complete bearing set and seal before installing new hub
6. 6

   Install new or serviced hub body
   Apply a thin layer of wheel bearing grease to the axle shaft splines. Align the new or serviced hub body with the wheel studs and slide it onto the axle shaft, ensuring the internal splines engage properly. Push the hub body fully onto the shaft until it seats against the bearing.
   ℹ️Ensure hub body is fully seated before installing axle nut; improper seating will cause premature wear
7. 7

   Install and torque axle nut
   Thread the axle nut onto the axle shaft by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a 36mm socket and torque wrench, torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Install a new cotter pin through the hole in the axle shaft and nut, bending the ends to secure. If using a castle nut without cotter pin hole, properly stake the nut according to manufacturer specifications.
   ⚠️Critical torque specification - improper torque can cause wheel bearing failure or axle shaft damage
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install internal hub components
   Install the spring retainer and pressure spring into the hub body. Install the cam assembly in the correct orientation (reference notes from disassembly). Install the large snap ring using snap ring pliers, ensuring it is fully seated in its groove. Verify all components move freely and the cam rotates smoothly.
   ⚠Ensure snap ring is fully seated in groove; partial seating will cause hub failure
9. 9

   Install hub cover assembly
   Inspect the hub cover O-ring or gasket and replace if damaged or worn. Position the hub cover over the hub body, ensuring the dial mechanism aligns with the internal cam assembly. Install all cover screws hand-tight first, then torque in a crossing pattern to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft) to ensure even seating and prevent cover warpage.
   ⚠Do not overtighten cover screws; aluminum housing threads can strip easily
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Test hub operation
    Rotate the hub dial clockwise to LOCK position and verify it clicks into place with resistance. Rotate counterclockwise to UNLOCK position and verify it moves freely. Attempt to rotate the axle shaft by hand (through the hub) in both LOCK and UNLOCK positions to verify proper engagement. In LOCK, the shaft should be difficult or impossible to turn; in UNLOCK, it should rotate freely.
    ℹ️If hub does not lock or unlock properly, disassemble and verify correct cam orientation and snap ring seating
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower vehicle to ground and perform final torque verification of lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure both front hubs are in the same position (both LOCK or both UNLOCK) to prevent drivetrain binding
2. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the hub dial mechanism to prevent corrosion
3. If both hubs were serviced, verify they operate identically

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in 2WD mode with hubs UNLOCKED; verify no binding, noise, or vibration
• Test 4WD engagement: shift to 4WD, manually LOCK both hubs, and verify proper engagement by attempting to turn while on loose surface
• Check for proper hub operation by switching between LOCK and UNLOCK multiple times
• Verify no fluid leaks from hub assembly after test drive
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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