Auto Hubs not locking in
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 84
There is an electric solenoid near the coolant reservoir that sends vacuum to the hubs. It has to have fused power from somewhere. If that solenoid Is not working properly it won’t lock the hubs in when you turn the ****.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
That doesn’t make sense to me. If the hub is going to lock I don’t think it cares if the wheel is moving or not. The axle turning should line up the splines. If you hammer it they may skip over each other, but with a little throttle the hubs should lock.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 730
From: Wisconsin
I agree with this 100%, BUT, in my observations with these vacuum hubs, it doesn't work. I've had 4x4's all my life, rebuilt many front axle/hub assemblies and am very familiar with hub actuation, but something prevents the normal engagement compared to an old school manual lock. It might be because there is no longer a large spring (coil) behind the hub **** to force the splines together and only relies on vacuum.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 97
Likes: 54
As far as people saying that there auto hubs don't lock in when they are stopped & use the button on the dash there must be something wrong with your truck. My 2012 would lock in stopped with the button on the dash all the time. My new 2021 F350 diesel will also lock in the hubs being stopped. I do it this way all the time when my driveway is snowy, just to back up & get moving. I start the truck, turn the **** to 4high a couple of seconds the 4high comes on the dash, put the truck in reverse & back up in the snow & ice. My Ford trucks have always shifted in when stopped or moving.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 566
Likes: 60
From: Freedom,Wi.
Finally had a rain day today to look into this. Had power to solenoid so pulled vac lines off and have vacuum. Pulled line off what I think is a little filter next to solenoid, no vacuum. Popped filter off and the end cover comes off so looked it over but saw nothing wrong. Reassembled and now have vacuum and hubs work. Must have had something lodged in it. Dump luck or easy fix. Hope this helps others, this site is great. Thanks.
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Trailering
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
Finally had a rain day today to look into this. Had power to solenoid so pulled vac lines off and have vacuum. Pulled line off what I think is a little filter next to solenoid, no vacuum. Popped filter off and the end cover comes off so looked it over but saw nothing wrong. Reassembled and now have vacuum and hubs work. Must have had something lodged in it. Dump luck or easy fix. Hope this helps others, this site is great. Thanks.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 566
Likes: 60
From: Freedom,Wi.
It's been a while since I did this. I'd have to pop the hood to look again but I think there was what I called a filter near the solenoid. If I recall it was 1" or so in diameter and inline on the inlet side. Let me know if I have to go out and look.
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bkeese
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Oct 23, 2014 01:47 AM