2023 Auto Hubs
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 137
2023 Auto Hubs
First a little background. My previous truck that I had for 12 years was a fully manual four-wheel-drive system. This new truck is the auto locking system. The situation I’m getting is the u-joints are clunking like my fully manual system did when the hubs were engaged at full wheel turn in 2WD. Am I missing something? Is there something you need to do to fully unlock the auto hubs?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 137
I understand that. What I’m saying is I’m in 2WD and the u joints are bumping at full turn. I thought they disengaged when in 2WD? My manual system fully disengaged so turning was smooth. I also feel this new truck was lIke that at the start. But I’ve since used 4WD for snow and now I hear them.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 137
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 591
Likes: 320
cycle everything.
You may have one thats bound up.
Put them both to lock, drive forward a bit, put them both back to auto(to get them to unlock), drive forward a bit.
Could also do this with the 4wd selector and leave them in auto(let the 4wd system lock and unlock them).
If one is still locked and bound, time to head to the dealer.
You may have one thats bound up.
Put them both to lock, drive forward a bit, put them both back to auto(to get them to unlock), drive forward a bit.
Could also do this with the 4wd selector and leave them in auto(let the 4wd system lock and unlock them).
If one is still locked and bound, time to head to the dealer.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 700
Likes: 478
climb under and rotate the each axle shaft a bit. One or both may just be stuck in a position thats maxed out when you go full lock while turning. If they dont move then they are still engaged.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,354
Likes: 4,389
From: SW VA
The hubs can be replaced with Warns if you so choose. I have a set sitting on my shelf for when mine give me trouble.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 137
Well, Ford will be dealing with this if they continue doing this. Truck has 1000mi.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
If they are indeed set to Auto, you need to spin the halfshafts by hand to verify that is the cause, and not something else. While you're under there, might as well spin the drive shaft to make sure it's not a transfer case shift issue. The "dog" clutch can sometimes be sticky if too much grease or corrosion is present in the hub assembly.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
Likes: 229
From: Gulf Coast, FL
As a matter of ESOF practice (or manual hubs) when done with 4wd Ops, going back to 2wd I will drive in reverse for about 10yds. That way any gear lash that could be holding the hubs to the axle splines will relieve allow the hubs to unlock 100%.
Depending on the sound or feeling you are experiencing it could be a bad hub or poor vacuum. Potentially you might have a ESOF that's sticking, which prevents the hubs from retracting away from the axle splines correctly.
ESOF is pretty easy to diagnose if you think you have issues. Jack up the front axle with tires off the ground. Grab the front axle or either wheel to rotate. You will learn and hear what's going on.
Now ESOF isn't a bad thing with a little bit of learning. ESOF is not to be used when 100% stuck. You need to use ESOF before you get stuck.
There's a reason Warn has never made ESOF hubs to replace the Ford factory ones. Warn made them under contract that they cannot ever make a replacement ESOF version. Warn was split into two different companies (at this point) one that deals aftermarket, one that deals OEM only. These two companies are NOT tied together in any way from what I have been told.
So keep your Warn made ESOF hubs, or buy the "aftermarket" Warn hubs.
Depending on the sound or feeling you are experiencing it could be a bad hub or poor vacuum. Potentially you might have a ESOF that's sticking, which prevents the hubs from retracting away from the axle splines correctly.
ESOF is pretty easy to diagnose if you think you have issues. Jack up the front axle with tires off the ground. Grab the front axle or either wheel to rotate. You will learn and hear what's going on.
Now ESOF isn't a bad thing with a little bit of learning. ESOF is not to be used when 100% stuck. You need to use ESOF before you get stuck.
There's a reason Warn has never made ESOF hubs to replace the Ford factory ones. Warn made them under contract that they cannot ever make a replacement ESOF version. Warn was split into two different companies (at this point) one that deals aftermarket, one that deals OEM only. These two companies are NOT tied together in any way from what I have been told.
So keep your Warn made ESOF hubs, or buy the "aftermarket" Warn hubs.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 669
Likes: 179
It doesn’t matter whether the hubs are in auto or locked. If the transfer case is shifting out of 4wd you shouldn’t be able to feel the front axle shafts rotating even with the steering turned all the way left or right.
The fact that you are experiencing the axle jumping indicates that both the transfer case and hubs are engaged. It might be something simple but you may as well let the dealer worry about it.
The fact that you are experiencing the axle jumping indicates that both the transfer case and hubs are engaged. It might be something simple but you may as well let the dealer worry about it.
