i had that happen one time on an open rear, and the reason it happened was there was too much grease on the bearing, causing it to not seat in the housing correctly.
that was a real head scratcher for sure ! did you smack both axles to be sure they were seated in the housing before you started to adjust them ?
if it is a sure grip, you need to remove the center section to replace the lost thrust button as has already been stated.
i have had to do that many times over the years.