Auto Locking Hubs
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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Auto Locking Hubs
Hello from a newbie to the forum! I hope this is in the right category (sorry if its not!). I've got a 99 F250 SD PS 4x4 with about 118k miles. Problem is when the front hubs are in auto and I switch to 4wd, the hubs don't lock. I've got to get out and manually put in lock. Where should I start in trying to fix the auto lock option? Many thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
I may be behind in times but if you had auto locking hubs, you couldn't get out and manually lock them in. (they are tow different systems) Is it possible that someone changed out the auto hubs before you bought the truck? I changed them one time on an 81 Blazer I had years ago. 
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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I have the electric 4wd selector inside, and my hubs have 2 settings: auto and lock.???? My old Bronco didn't have a choice on the hubs. These do. To lock the wheels I have to get out and change them to lock. Perhaps they should have the word "free" instead of "auto"?? 
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 856
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
I am just guessing here cuz my Mountaineer has AWD and I don't select anything but, I believe "auto" would allow the vehicle to engage and disengage the 4wd automatically as needed and the "lock" position would allow you to control when it is engaged or not. Now what I don't know (and someone else reading this will) is if you can have both the electronic 4wd and the manual locking hubs stock. If someone put manual locking hubs in for some reason (better gas mileage or cheaper that repairing the auto hubs) than that may eliminate the electronic engagement. If you manually lock the hubs in than they should be locked in.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
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From: Senoia, GA
welcome to FTE and yes you have come to the right place
what you have is a vaccum operated system. you can choose to have them in auto where they are unlocked until you hit the 4wd button inside or you can lock them manually (when vaccum fails) then they are locked regardless. it comes from the factory like this but i just assume lock them manually.
you need to look at your vaccum lines down to your hubs and make sure your hubs are getting the required amount of pressure. maker sure there isn't any water or grit/dirt inside the hubs to as the vaccum lines when non-pressurized will allow water and grit to get in and possibly mess you all up!
-cutts-
what you have is a vaccum operated system. you can choose to have them in auto where they are unlocked until you hit the 4wd button inside or you can lock them manually (when vaccum fails) then they are locked regardless. it comes from the factory like this but i just assume lock them manually.
you need to look at your vaccum lines down to your hubs and make sure your hubs are getting the required amount of pressure. maker sure there isn't any water or grit/dirt inside the hubs to as the vaccum lines when non-pressurized will allow water and grit to get in and possibly mess you all up!
-cutts-
