Hub problem
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 235
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From: Decatur
Hub problem
So when my hubs are locked they make a popping noise. Not when I'm turning like a 4wd would but all the time. And then when I turn on my ESOF in the cab something makes a horrendous noise like its binding up really bad. When I unlock my hubs and turn off my ESOF it all goes away. My 4wd does not engage without the hubs locked. I have the warn standard manual hubs. I'm not sure how to check to see what's messed up. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
Likes: 229
From: Gulf Coast, FL
My 4wd does not engage without the hubs locked. I have the warn standard manual hubs.
So when my hubs are locked they make a popping noise.
Not when I'm turning like a 4wd would but all the time. And then when I turn on my ESOF in the cab something makes a horrendous noise like its binding up really bad. When I unlock my hubs and turn off my ESOF it all goes away.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Decatur
Ok if I take off driving an my hubs are not locked then I have no problem and it will not shift into 4wd. If my hubs are locked and I take off driving I can hear a popping. And if I shift into 4wd there is a loud grinding sound.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
Likes: 229
From: Gulf Coast, FL
Ok if I take off driving an my hubs are not locked then I have no problem and it will not shift into 4wd. This is due to the Warn hubs not working with the vacuum ESOF system. You will need to lock the hubs manually after using the ESOF switch. If my hubs are locked and I take off driving I can hear a popping. This sounds like the hubs trying to engage the axle shaft inside the hub/knuckle assembly. And if I shift into 4wd there is a loud grinding sound. This sounds like the axle rotating trying to engage the hubs.
It sounds like there is an issue with the hubs. Did you buy the Warn hubs new?? Have you verified the part number/ application for your truck??
What you are describing to me sounds like an issue I had two years ago. I had to buy a new ESOF hub and all was good.
An easy way to test: Jack up the front of the truck. Ensure both tires are off the ground. Rotate each tire by hand with the hub in OPEN. Watch the outer shaft on the axle. Make sure the axle doesn't rotate. Place the hub to LOCK and repeat. The axle should rotate. You may see the transfer case driveshaft rotate at this point. Make sure you place the hub back to OPEN. Repeat for the other side.
Now actuate the ESOF to place the transfer case into operation. Rotate each wheel. You should not see the axles rotate. Place each hub into LOCK and rotate the wheels. If all is well you should hear/feel the hubs lock into the shaft causing the axles and drive shaft to rotate.
I know this seems like a lot to do but it will identify what is really going on with the front hubs, axles and transfer case.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Decatur
So here what I got. With the front off the ground hubs unlocked and ESOF off the wheels turn freely and do not engage. Then with locking the hubs the wheels do engage the front drive. Then it is the same with the ESOF on. I did notice that my drivers side hub makes a soft grinding noise when it spins. I'm thinking my next step is to pull them off and clean then really good and regrease with white lithium.
