Hubs slow to Disengage

[sdb999]

87’ IFS with manual locking hubs. Just rebuilt everything in the front hubs/bearings/etc. Going back together and test fitted the locking hub cover dry (no grease) and got good engage/disengage. Greased it up and installed with fresh gasket. Now it’s slow to disengage, it will after a few turns of the wheel and a smack with the palm of my hand on the hub so I have to believe it’ll loosen up with some miles. It’s my first dive into 4WD wrenching so just want some “yeah they always act like that” confirmation.
Thanks, S.

 

[9494runner]

if you jack up the front, leave it in 2wd, you should be able to free spin the tire. Then lock the hub, you should be able to spin the tire and about 3/4 thru the rotation you should hear an audible click as the hub locks. there should not be really any resistance. My dials is sometimes need alittle bit of elbow grease to flip them from F/L and back

 

[nevada]

87’ IFS with manual locking hubs. Just rebuilt everything in the front hubs/bearings/etc. Going back together and test fitted the locking hub cover dry (no grease) and got good engage/disengage. Greased it up and installed with fresh gasket. Now it’s slow to disengage, it will after a few turns of the wheel and a smack with the palm of my hand on the hub so I have to believe it’ll loosen up with some miles. It’s my first dive into 4WD wrenching so just want some “yeah they always act like that” confirmation.
Thanks, S.

how much, and what kind of grease?

the hubs need just a very light coating of grease. too much, or the wrong kind and it will cause what you are describing.

 

[KidVermicious]

x2, that sounds like too much grease.

 

[sdb999]

Yep that's what I figured. Removed good bit of grease and it's a little better now. When I put the other side back on I'll go easy on the stuff. Standard wheel bearing grease but it was cold (35 F) making the grease a bit stiff.
Thanks all.