Locked axle question
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Eads, TN
Locked axle question
While driving the other day and making a slow sharp turn, like a u turn, I felt my wheels binding like they were in 4WD. I got under the truck and I could not turn my front axles freely. I jacked each side up independently and I could spin each tire and the axle would turn as well.
I thought being out of 4WD that the axles would turn freely? Mine do not.
I have ESOF and my hubs are turned to AUTO.
Is this normal or do I have an issue with my hubs or transfer case?
I thought being out of 4WD that the axles would turn freely? Mine do not.
I have ESOF and my hubs are turned to AUTO.
Is this normal or do I have an issue with my hubs or transfer case?
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From: Frederick, MD
I think you have an issue at the hubs. They are not unlocking on you.
time to take them apart and clean/lubricate.
As an idea though, can you manually turn the hubs at all? If not or really stiff that is another indicator it is time to clean and lub them.
time to take them apart and clean/lubricate.
As an idea though, can you manually turn the hubs at all? If not or really stiff that is another indicator it is time to clean and lub them.
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From: Eads, TN
Any way to tell which side is the culprit?
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Joined: May 2006
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Could not be easier to remove, pinch the spring retainer ring and pull the locking hubs out. Soak them in ATF and dry the excess before replacement. If they will not turn to lock they will have to be disassembled for intensive cleaning.
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From: Eads, TN
I plan on tearing these down and re-greasing tomorrow. I hope that's all that is wrong. Odd that both axles won't turn. I could understand one or the other, but both? Maybe both just need to be serviced. 
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Cargo Master
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I don't know if you should use actual grease on the hubs since they have an auto mode. Back when I used to have an older Ford with auto locking hubs my mechanic said he always used a lighter oil to lube them because grease would be too thick and could cause issues.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Eads, TN
BTW.....Turning from AUTO to LOCK is quite easy. Not hard at all.
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From: Eads, TN
I don't know if you should use actual grease on the hubs since they have an auto mode. Back when I used to have an older Ford with auto locking hubs my mechanic said he always used a lighter oil to lube them because grease would be too thick and could cause issues.
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page
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From: Frederick, MD
follow the guzzle's procedure should do you just fine. So they turn freely.
Should come apart without too much problem.
Sounds like there maybe an internal failure of some kind then.
Should come apart without too much problem.
Sounds like there maybe an internal failure of some kind then.
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From: Isanti, MN
While driving the other day and making a slow sharp turn, like a u turn, I felt my wheels binding like they were in 4WD. I got under the truck and I could not turn my front axles freely. I jacked each side up independently and I could spin each tire and the axle would turn as well.
I suspect your front U-joints are binding up, as it's relatively rare to hear of a transfer case not disengaging. You should be able to roll around with locked hubs and never tell the difference, because with the front differential and unlocked transfer case they should be able to spin at whichever speed they need to without resistance.
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From: Eads, TN
That indicates that your hubs are locked, but you're still not in 4WD unless the transfer case is engaged as well. When you remove your hubs you should attempt to rotate the front driveshaft. It should spin freely because it will no longer be connected at the wheels, if not your transfer case has an issue.
I suspect your front U-joints are binding up, as it's relatively rare to hear of a transfer case not disengaging. You should be able to roll around with locked hubs and never tell the difference, because with the front differential and unlocked transfer case they should be able to spin at whichever speed they need to without resistance.
I suspect your front U-joints are binding up, as it's relatively rare to hear of a transfer case not disengaging. You should be able to roll around with locked hubs and never tell the difference, because with the front differential and unlocked transfer case they should be able to spin at whichever speed they need to without resistance.
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From: Eads, TN
Took driver side hub out and axle turns. I removed the clip to remove the guts, but the guts won't slide out. Something is binding and I'm afraid to apply too much pressure fearing I'm going to break something internally.
Any thoughts how to get the guts to break loose?
Any thoughts how to get the guts to break loose?