How to torch the hub on a 92 geo tracker 4x4 - 1992 Geo Tracker

For Trackers (and Sidekicks) of this era (1989 to 1998) the front axle locking device is a locking hub on each front wheel. (There are no actuators until the model change in 1999.) Locking hubs come in two flavors, Manual and auto locking hubs. A look at the from wheel should tell you what you have. Manual hubs have a knob like lever with the word "lock" and "free." Auto hubs say "Auto-Locking" right on them. Both types of hubs require servicing periodicity. (Normally annually.) This means removing and disassembling. Then cleaning and light greasing before reassembling. There are some good videos on the web on how to service the manual hubs. Auto hubs are a little harder to ensure they are working properly, but some people like them. (Not me.)

Please note two things:
1. Due to differential action, BOTH hubs need to be locked for any power to be applied to the front wheels.
2. Trackers of this era are PART TIME 4x4, NOT all wheel drive. They have nothing providing for different wheel speeds front to back like a center differential. This means they should NOT be used on non-slippery surfaces like dry pavement. Beside causing handling and braking issues, it can destroy your transfercase driving on dry pavement in 4x4 due to what is called "driveline wind up".

PLEASE if you do not understand this, look it up... if you still do not understand, ask and do not use the 4x4 until you do.

so you took off a front wheel hub.
4wd car? or 2wd?
so you got the 150ft./lb nut ring off with out the special tool?
so how would you get the preload back right after?
RACE.
LIKE ALL serviceable hubs you use a 20 ton press.

http://www.fixkick.com/hubs/FW_BEARINGS.html#old

any machine shop, any suspension shop, any brake shop can to this
all shops worth salt have a press.
i walk i with 2 hubs and 2 bearing kits, and bam its in for $25

removing parts is easy, putting the back right ,that takes care.

every fact on topic , hubs here.

it's not the locking hubs its the wheel bearings in its own hub.
http://www.fixkick.com/

dangerous condition that... very much so.

Have you had the charging system tested, it may be low voltage that is causing this or a defective battery connection due to corrosion or a loose cable or both.

If it's in 4 wheel drive that would definitely decrease the gas mileage. Otherwise it could be a lot of things. It may need a tune up. Could be an EGR valve issue. Throttle body could need to be cleaned a long with the fuel injectors. Make sure your tire pressure is what it should be as well.
Thanks,
Lee

first you remove the wheel then the break caliper then remove the locking hubs just remember to lay out the parts in order a special tool is called for but this job can be done without it you have to use a small cold chisel and a hammer to tap the large nut counter clockwise to remove, you can then remove the outer bearing and the rotor and hub assembly look on the back side reomve the bearing seal and inner bearing be sure to pack your new bearings with grease before you reassemble . takes less than an hour.

http://www.kick-fix.com/hubs/hubs.html

with pictures!

You need to take the cover off your hub and clean and grease the lock ring. It is attached to the spring. It sounds as though your hub is rusted open.

http://carfix.stufftoread.com/

see front wheel bearings and hubs here.

http://carfix.stufftoread.com/

see bearing and hubs.

full spec