Front hub will not release
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 949
Likes: 330
From: Colorado Rockies
Front hub will not release
Has anyone run into a problem with one of the front hubs not unlocking? After going back into 2x4 yesterday I noticed a clicking coming from the front end (sounds like left side) when I make tight turns; clicking increases as turn tightens. I checked it out while wife moved the truck and see that my front drive shaft is still turning. I manually locked both hubs (selector in 2x4) and made some more turns, no change in clicking and it is obviously not in 4x4 because I don't feel it binding up. This leads me to believe there is nothing wrong with the transfer case and one of my hubs is not releasing.
I made an appointment to take it in (truck only has 7k on it) but they can't get to it for two weeks. I figured I'd see if it might be something simple like a vacuum line.
Any suggestions? I'm on my way out to jack it up and verify if a hub is locked and which one.
Also, will it damage my differential driving it like this?
Thanks
I made an appointment to take it in (truck only has 7k on it) but they can't get to it for two weeks. I figured I'd see if it might be something simple like a vacuum line.
Any suggestions? I'm on my way out to jack it up and verify if a hub is locked and which one.
Also, will it damage my differential driving it like this?
Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
With the truck in 4x2 mode you don’t have to jack it up to see which one is locked. Just grab the front driveshaft and turn it. You’ll see the u-joint spin on the side that’s unlocked.
I’d lock them both until this was addressed too. But I really don’t know if it’s necessary as having one unlocked isn’t much different than the center axle disconnect used on other vehicles.
I’d lock them both until this was addressed too. But I really don’t know if it’s necessary as having one unlocked isn’t much different than the center axle disconnect used on other vehicles.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,154
Likes: 7,984
From: Texas
Has anyone run into a problem with one of the front hubs not unlocking? After going back into 2x4 yesterday I noticed a clicking coming from the front end (sounds like left side) when I make tight turns; clicking increases as turn tightens. I checked it out while wife moved the truck and see that my front drive shaft is still turning. I manually locked both hubs (selector in 2x4) and made some more turns, no change in clicking and it is obviously not in 4x4 because I don't feel it binding up. This leads me to believe there is nothing wrong with the transfer case and one of my hubs is not releasing.
I made an appointment to take it in (truck only has 7k on it) but they can't get to it for two weeks. I figured I'd see if it might be something simple like a vacuum line.
Any suggestions? I'm on my way out to jack it up and verify if a hub is locked and which one.
Also, will it damage my differential driving it like this?
Thanks
I made an appointment to take it in (truck only has 7k on it) but they can't get to it for two weeks. I figured I'd see if it might be something simple like a vacuum line.
Any suggestions? I'm on my way out to jack it up and verify if a hub is locked and which one.
Also, will it damage my differential driving it like this?
Thanks
don’t listen to the tech that told you otherwise.LOCK BOTH SIDES.
good luck.
PS. If the tech thinks you should not lock both sides, you might want to re-think where you take your truck.
After re-reading your post, and the clicking continuing when the hubs are locked, my thoughts are that you have an axle u-joint binding/dry and needs replacing.
Last edited by Desert Don; Dec 6, 2019 at 06:51 PM. Reason: Add comment
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 221
Likes: 10
From: Manitoba, Canada
Turn your manual lock to lock, then auto, the lock, then auto. Reach behind the wheel and twist the axle back and forth a little. Used to work for my 2002 when the hub would not release.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,358
Likes: 250
Lock both hubs until you can get it fixed, it won't hurt anything except your mileage.
My front u joints click a little when the wheels are turned more than halfway to lock. U joints have limited movement before they start rubbing, it's just the nature of the beast.
My front u joints click a little when the wheels are turned more than halfway to lock. U joints have limited movement before they start rubbing, it's just the nature of the beast.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 949
Likes: 330
From: Colorado Rockies
Yesterday I tried all those things (manually locking, unlocking, backing up); still would not release. After driving home (70 miles) I went out today to look at it and the hub had released. Guess I'll go exercise it a number of times before cancelling my appointment.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 47
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 949
Likes: 330
From: Colorado Rockies
Thanks, that is what I'm thinking. Maybe the hub just needs a work out; new truck.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mad_science
Excursion - King of SUVs
22
Jan 29, 2018 09:57 AM
Kyle Natoli
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
May 4, 2017 04:02 PM
f150plow
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Dec 9, 2006 02:34 PM