Another stupid question...
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2017
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Another stupid question...
Can someone explain to me the purpose of the locking hubs? I always thought they were used to manually put into 4wheel drive. That does not seem to be the case.
I have had questions about the steering characteristics of my 2018 450 Lariat and someone here recommended to check if my hubs were in the Locked position. They were so I turned them to Auto and took a drive. The only difference I could tell was there seemed to be an intermittent whine coming from the front end. Definitely NOT the sound I here when in 4wheel drive. I dropped it into 4wheel and could tell the difference.
The manual does not give a good explanation for someone like me.
So, what is the difference between Locked and Auto and should I care?
thanks
m
I have had questions about the steering characteristics of my 2018 450 Lariat and someone here recommended to check if my hubs were in the Locked position. They were so I turned them to Auto and took a drive. The only difference I could tell was there seemed to be an intermittent whine coming from the front end. Definitely NOT the sound I here when in 4wheel drive. I dropped it into 4wheel and could tell the difference.
The manual does not give a good explanation for someone like me.
So, what is the difference between Locked and Auto and should I care?
thanks
m
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
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From: SoCal
Leave it in Auto. Lock will lock your hubs, but wont engage the front drive shaft. Thats what the 4x4 **** is for. The lock is only there incase you have a vacuum leak or failure in the auto hub locking system. If you leave your hubs locked all the time you'll hear some popping when you turn and your hubs will always be turning, its best to leave them in auto so they only engage when you switch to 4x4.
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Joined: Dec 2017
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I also manually lock my hubs on days where I certainly know I'll be using 4wd a lot. Don't have to worry about a stuck hub, or the ESOF not getting the front drive spun up quick enough, or the wear and tear that comes with that.
I'd guess that's why the Ford trucks come with the hubs locked. If a manual hub were to be stuck open from sitting on the dealers lot for 11 months, the truck wouldn't exactly pass a 4wd test during the test drive. Would it?
Both of my trucks hubs are locked right now. I'll open them in the spring, or before a long drive on a dry day. It's just another nice option that GM a dodge don't have.
I'd guess that's why the Ford trucks come with the hubs locked. If a manual hub were to be stuck open from sitting on the dealers lot for 11 months, the truck wouldn't exactly pass a 4wd test during the test drive. Would it?
Both of my trucks hubs are locked right now. I'll open them in the spring, or before a long drive on a dry day. It's just another nice option that GM a dodge don't have.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 377
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I also manually lock my hubs on days where I certainly know I'll be using 4wd a lot. Don't have to worry about a stuck hub, or the ESOF not getting the front drive spun up quick enough, or the wear and tear that comes with that.
I'd guess that's why the Ford trucks come with the hubs locked.
I'd guess that's why the Ford trucks come with the hubs locked.
I seem to recall the manual or some thread I started and was answered, that auto improves fuel economy when not needing 4x4, but suggested the same thing about there being an advantage to having it in locked position if you are going for an extended off road, I assumed it was so that the front axle was not being engaged and disengaged regularly.
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