After rebuilding my ESOF hubs, the dials were still stiff, but working. A few weeks later, they are back to not moving.

I'd like to keep the ESOF system...

Do I need to replace the entire thing to get fresh dials?

 

How did you rebuild them? This may help you. I do this maintenance on my hubs every couple years now. I want to keep them smooth.

Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page

 

Previous owner put almost 100k miles on the truck without ever using 4x4 or touching the hubs. They have been neglected for sure.

Unless I am missing something, according to that write up, there really isn't a solution for the dials sticking.

 

Redo the process using the instructions above. But this time be VERRY conservative with the grease. I did it once. And they wouldnt engage. Took them off, wiped out a ton of grease (left some of course) and put them back on. BLAMO! Fixed. Worked like a charm.

But of course, I had to test them out. So I drove down the street, popped it into 4x4 and attempted to go around a traffic circle.. Ha. Ha. That didnt happen.

Good news, the tires bound up and both hubs locked!

Bad news, the car behind me in the circle wasnt very happy when he was stuck behind me

 

Guys, the hubs lock out just fine now using the in cab switch... the manual dials are the problem.

 

So they function.. just not manually?

 

Yup... the manual dials are stuck. After rebuild and lube, they worked for a bit... but are locked up again.

My question was, do I need to replace the complete hubs, or is there a way to just replace the outside dial portion of the hub?

 

You will need to replace the whole locking hub. I think there is a way to fix it, but it involves drilling and is a lot more effort than I would consider.

 

Aye... that's what I was afraid of.

Any recommendations on where to get the hubs at the cheapest price? Dealer only?

 

A lot of people here will recommend the Warn hubs. Myself, I prefer the factory Auto hubs since mine have never failed me.

Try PartsGuyEd.com. I couldnt find them online so give them a call.

 

Thanks....