My 4x4 front axle doesn't work

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Jan 13, 2019 | 08:15 AM

Shorty Thompson

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Junior User

Joined: Nov 2017

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From: Central Illinois

My 4x4 front axle doesn't work

2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty front axle does not engage. I can flip the switch on the dash and feel it kick in. But I only have 1 wheel drive . And ,,,,, along with this new deep snow we got . I need it . Mechanic says that the front locking hubs are vacuum operated . Does anyone have a diagram ? Like to get that dude fixed soon.

ps; posted in the wrong area previously.

Jan 13, 2019 | 08:22 AM

SHAWZER

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2015

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From: Meaford , Ontario

Did you manually lock your hubs ?

Jan 13, 2019 | 08:30 AM

CousinCarl

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,321

Likes: 250

From: North Texas

Vacuum gauge will help find the leak. You should be able to lock hubs manually until you fix the leak. Many opt to go with Warn premium or Mile Marker manual locking hubs when chasing vacuum leaks gets old or the stock plastic internals break.

https://youtu.be/3zKYMm29Iig

Jan 13, 2019 | 08:41 AM

Shorty Thompson

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2017

Posts: 90

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From: Central Illinois

Thanks . I tried to turn the hub locks and they don't wanna turn at all. Any suggestions ?

Jan 13, 2019 | 08:59 AM

seville009

Logistics Pro

Joined: Nov 2004

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Shorty Thompson

Thanks . I tried to turn the hub locks and they don't wanna turn at all. Any suggestions ?

replace them. For now though, spray wd-40 in them, let it soak in, then try turning them with pliers.

Jan 13, 2019 | 09:15 AM

Mickey Bitsko

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 750

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From: Pagosa Springs CO.

I bought my 00' 250 with manual warns, it's comforting to know that they'll work EVERY time.
good luck OP.

Jan 13, 2019 | 01:21 PM

DieselBeast01

Posting Guru

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,715

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From: Seneca, SC

I have manual hubs. The vacuum system on these trucks is junk.

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Jan 13, 2019 | 05:45 PM

00t444e

Logistics Pro

Joined: May 2017

Posts: 3,523

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From: Southern OH

Put a set of Mile Marker hubs on there, I have installed a few sets of those and I have them on my truck. I have never had an issue out of them. You can unplug your PVH solenoid under the hood to prevent a vacuum leak, after you have converted to manual hubs.

Jan 14, 2019 | 06:44 PM

#10

busflyer

Mountain Pass

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 108

Likes: 1

From: KY

I would imagine being in Illinois based on what the weather channel is showing you might have gotten some water in them and froze them up. I've had it happen on manual lockers as well. Your vac system may be okay after you broke them loose you could try the ESOF again just to make sure. A night in a heated garage might prove beneficial and some new orings for your hubs. I think it's a T27 torx to remove the three screws to pull the hub but I can't remember for sure, I wouldn't try it if it might be frozen though.
eric