auto hubs
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 331
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auto hubs
Have to take my truck in again to get the auto hubs taken apart and lubed. I never had to do this with the Warn Hubs I had on my Cherokee years ago. I want to be able to manually lock them because sometimes, when it is cold when switching to 4 wheel the vacuum system won't work and the truck stays in 2 wheel drive. Always happens in the winter. I was going to try vice-grips to turn the hubs but the dealer said don't as the hubs can break easily because of "white steel." So into the shop on Friday for the fix. It is frustrating though to have this happen. At least it is an annual thing? 
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
I have heard that you should lock the hubs and drive with them this way for several miles to keep them from failing. Is this a normal maintenance practice? And how many miles do you generally drive with them locked?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 19
From: Louisiana
Lundman, you can lock them manually. You have a auto(ESOF) or manually locking hubs. You just have to turn them like you would the Warns. Most suggest running them locked a couple of times a month to keep them lubed and greased. I guess I will turn mine tomorrow morning before work and keep them that way until the end of the week.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 163
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From: Albany NY
Lundman, What year is your truck? I'm surprised you have seized hubs and a compromised vacuum system so soon.
On my older truck I ended up replacing my ESOF hubs with Warn manual hubs based on the cost of always repairing/replacing the components in the ESOF system.
If your truck is newer (2011-2014) I would want my ESOF system working as it should.
On my older truck I ended up replacing my ESOF hubs with Warn manual hubs based on the cost of always repairing/replacing the components in the ESOF system.
If your truck is newer (2011-2014) I would want my ESOF system working as it should.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Bradford Ontario
Auto Hubs
I have a 2011 with 82,000 Kms on it. Have been back and forth with Ford a few times because of similar issues. I year ago I had the no engage thing going on when it was very cold. They said there was a TSB about it and fixed it and it seemed fine. This year just before Christmas we got a dump of snow and my hubs wouldn't work in auto. I went to switch them manually and was barely able to turn them but did manage get them engaged. Took it in for service again and explained everything and they put new hubs in under my extended warranty. Well low and behold another snow comes and no auto hubs again. In it goes again and this time they say the vacuum seals need replacing in the front axle. Not sure why they didn't do this when it was in last time but now I have another weeks wait for parts. Not the greatest track record for a truck with this few miles on it. A bit discouraging for sure.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 19
From: Louisiana
A lot of guys I know that have problem with the rubber hoses replace them with stainless steel so it lasts a lot longer. Let us know how you come out, I'm sure others will have the same question.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
Thank you! I went to lock them this morning. And by afternoon I am usuing 4WD due to the snow we are getting. I suppose this is more important when you do not use the 4WD System for a prolonged time.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
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From: Frederick, MD
Correct...we are sitting I suppose on inch #8 of snow so far. Drifting right now.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
hubs
Lundman, What year is your truck? I'm surprised you have seized hubs and a compromised vacuum system so soon.
On my older truck I ended up replacing my ESOF hubs with Warn manual hubs based on the cost of always repairing/replacing the components in the ESOF system.
If your truck is newer (2011-2014) I would want my ESOF system working as it should.
On my older truck I ended up replacing my ESOF hubs with Warn manual hubs based on the cost of always repairing/replacing the components in the ESOF system.
If your truck is newer (2011-2014) I would want my ESOF system working as it should.
My truck is a 2011 F-250 diesel lariat picked up new in early December 2010. I have problems with the hubs and vacuum system. Vacuum system first wouldn't engage if it got cold. Then 2 times now problems with hubs turning. I service and take great care of my truck. First time hubs were greased so they turned freely. Second time, Dec. 2013, the hubs had to both be replaced but just under warranty.
New User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 16
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I have a 2011 with 82,000 Kms on it. Have been back and forth with Ford a few times because of similar issues. I year ago I had the no engage thing going on when it was very cold. They said there was a TSB about it and fixed it and it seemed fine. This year just before Christmas we got a dump of snow and my hubs wouldn't work in auto. I went to switch them manually and was barely able to turn them but did manage get them engaged. Took it in for service again and explained everything and they put new hubs in under my extended warranty. Well low and behold another snow comes and no auto hubs again. In it goes again and this time they say the vacuum seals need replacing in the front axle. Not sure why they didn't do this when it was in last time but now I have another weeks wait for parts. Not the greatest track record for a truck with this few miles on it. A bit discouraging for sure.
Solution - get out of the rig and turn them on MANUALLY!
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Bradford Ontario
Hubs
Well I kind of expect after spending $70,000 on a truck and being within my extended warranty that the truck should work as designed. Go figure. Thanks for your extremely helpful comment though.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 20,167
Likes: 15,997
From: Wisconsin
I use my vacuum hubs frequently and don't have any issues. I'll define frequent as daily in the winter as my driveway needs 4wd to get up it most times in the winter. In the summer it's 3 weekends a month for sure. If there is a problem with your engaging and working and you are under warranty, have your dealer fix them.