Two weeks ago I picked up a 2014 F350 CCLB diesel that's replacing my 2011 F250 CCSB gaser. I've put about 600 miles on the truck since picking it up as a Certified Used Vehicle from a Ford dealership. Problem is I heard a rotating squeaking noise last week from the front end, but it was short lived. I thought maybe I'd picked up a small piece of gravel in the brakes. Then today I heard it again while driving about 15mph going back to work after lunch, and I tried riding the brakes shortly and then pressed them harder without any change to the sound either time. That got me thinking hub or knuckle.

This afternoon I really thought it more likely it was an auto hub problem, and I wondered if the pass hub maybe wasn't all the way in the auto position. So I checked before heading home, and I found BOTH hubs were locked and not in the auto position.

So now I'm worried about how much wear/damage may have been caused because the dealership or the previous owner locked the hubs for some unknown reason! I've contacted the Sales Mgr by email tonight, and have requested their position that will get my truck's front end inspected and repaired. I would like to hear from those of you who have some personal knowledge about what problems I might see and what I should expect from the dealership.

Please know the selling dealership is an airplane flight away, and I'm in Kodiak, AK (an island). I do have a local Ford dealership that will do the maintenance, but I'm asking the selling dealership to step up.

 

Typically riding around with the hubs locked will not cause any damage; although it is parasitic drag that can eat away at your milage a bit. Both of the super dutys I have purchased have come off the lot with locked hubs, why I have no idea. Maybe has something to do with transport. What I do know is that Alaska will age a truck well beyond normal pace. The truck I went to Kodiak with aged about 10 years in the 2 years I lived there. I hope the dealer makes it right for you as you don;t have to many options.

 

Nothing to worry about; won't cause any issues other than a real tiny loss in mpg. I leave mine locked all winter.

There are zerks in each front knuckle. May want to shoot some grease in.

 

Yep as the others said, no issue except for more drag on the drive-train and less MPG.

 

As others said, no damage would have been done. Other manufacturers don't have hubs that disconnect, so the front driveline spins all the time.

If it's squeaking then you may have an impending problem. I'd have them check out your front axleshaft U-joints. The newer ones have grease zerks that are supposed to be greased every 15,000 miles or so. Perhaps one ran dry?

 

Thanks gents!