im not totally sure on how they are suppose to work. like on my 94 explorer sport when it is jacked up you can spin the tire and the hub does spin with it but the axle doesnt spin. lock it in and none of it spins. that is almost telling me that when switched into 4x4 all the locking is done in the diff or transfer case. is that right? or should the autos be spring loaded in a way and not spining until locked in? im not sure on this.
thanks

 

auto or manual hubs?

From your other thread, I see that you have auto hubs.

I'm not up on the nitty gritty details. Basically, when the axleshaft rotates, it causes movement in the hub that engages the cam, which can then transmit power to the wheel. The cam should remain in the engaged position until the tire reverses direction (which is why you have to back up to disengage the hub when you are done with 4wd).

So, once you get the hub locked, you should be able to continue rotating the tire in the same direction and have the axleshaft spin with the wheel, until you reverse the tires direction. I can't remember, but it may not take much to disengage the hub when there is no load on it like that.

 

thank you for the reply. i just wasnt sure on how the auto hub worked. thanks again

 

Like mrshorty said the axle needs to be turning to engage the autohubs so if you first put it in 4WD then drive forward a ways and then jack it up they should be engaged. I found it difficult to determine if they are engaged and the only way I was ever really sure if they were not working was when I really needed them to work. So now I have manual hubs.

Somewhere online there are instructions on how to repair the autohubs but I don't have it saved on this computer. Personally I'd rather not because I need my 4WD to be reliable. It sounds like you already made up your mind to get manual hubs anyway.

BTW I forgot to mention you'll need the special socket to tighten your new manual hub bearing nuts. I suggest taking the nut to an auto parts store once you get it to make sure it fits. It should cost somewhere between $10 and $20 depending upon where you go.

 

Or you could use a flathead screwdriver and hammer, but not the best way to go.

 

thanks for all your replies everyone.
joe