I replaced both front hubs and axle u-joints today. I checked everything repeatedly to make sure things were all still working throughout the reassembly process. I was able to spin the rotors freely until I put the wheel on and torques it down (100 ft/lbs) and then the wheels won't spin at all. So I pull the wheel off check everything out, and once again with the wheel off everything spin freely. I put the wheel back on and make sure that the rim isn't hitting anything, even though I have been running them for over a year, and everything is clear.
I pull the wheels back off and just put a lug nut on with no wheel on, and once again I can't spin anything.
This is happening on both sides. I put everything back on that came off. I used Timken hubs (P/N HA597449)
I am at a complete loss here, if anyone has any ideas please let me know!

 

What year is your Cherokee? There are different part numbers for different years for the 97 and newer XJs. The rotors may be too deep for the new unit bearings and hitting the steering knuckle once the wheels are torqued down.

 

Damn it, I said I wouldn't forget to put that in there.
It a 1999 Cherokee Classic 4.0L, 188000 miles 4X4

 

Ah yeah, the '99 has 2 options for hubs, depending on the rotors. I went through this before, unfortunately I can't remember which ones to pick. Hope you get it figured out.

 

I have seen some hubs require a different torque than the OE recommends. Did your hubs have installation instructions?

 

No, ,there weren't any install instructions with mine, But I am starting to think that I used the hub for cast rotors and the hub that was on the car was for the composite ones.
Which means I either need to get new rotors or new hubs!

 

Yup. 2 options for Timekin wheel bearings. One for a composite rotor, one for cast rotor.

 

Yup. You got the ones for the cast rotor. Composite ones are p/n513084

 

Well damn it. It looks like it's another $70 to get the rights rotors for these hubs.

 

Ordered over internet ?

 

The stud lengths are different. What happens is the back of the rim hits and scrapes the back of the caliper, then the wheels will not spin.

 

No, though a buddy of mine locally.

 

How much did your hubs cost?

 

The back of the rim? Then that doesn't explain when I couldn't spin it with no wheel on and just a lug nut on the rotor.

 

I got them for $90 each