I have a '96 full size Bronco with 5.8 OBD engine. I was trying to engage the front hubs on my truck (push button on dash, auto hubs). I felt the transfer case kick in and thought it was in 4X4. However, I found that the front wheels were not pulling at all. I took off the hubs, cleaned throughly and re-greased them. This didn't help. I put it up on jack stands and engaged the 4X4 and the front wheels would pull while the truck was off the ground. But, once on the ground they wouldn't pull again. I checked the front drive shaft and with the transfer case engaged I couldn't turn the drive shaft, with it disengaged I could freely turn the drive shaft. I took the hubs off again and checked them (the best I know how) and they appear OK. When squeezed together the splines lock and feel strong. I don't know what it could be, either I don't know what I'm doing with the hubs or it's something other than the hubs. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot.

 

Most likely it is the hubs. On most Broncos on the road today that still have their auto hubs, the hubs don't work and the driver doesn't even know it until they need them. It happened to me, and many other folks on this board. Whenever I see a Bronco with auto hubs I think "this guy has a bad day off road just waiting for him..." The auto hubs are expensive to replace or repair. Most of us here have switched to manual hubs. It's easy and will cost around $100, give or take a few bucks.

The electric transfer case is also problematic, although not as much so as the auto hubs.

I am all for the ease of automatic things like transmissions, but my Bronco it is one case where I definitely prefer things to be manual, at least the hubs and t-case are (not the trans). The auto hub/t-case system on our Broncos is simply NOT reliable. It has been proven time and time again. That's too bad because I would love to just push a button and have 4WD, but the bottom line is that it is not reliable.

You _could_ spend the bucks and get new auto hubs and put all new parts in the transfer case to make sure that everything is new and in working order - but I _still_ would not trust them. Not to mention that it would probably cost at least $1,000. The auto hubs themselves are not cheap, I once heard something like $800 a pair. It's also possible to rebuild the auto hubs, but I have not heard from anyone who has done it.

Has anybody here ever repaired or replaced their auto hubs? If so, how much did it cost and how long have they lasted?

 

Thanks JBronco, I thought that I would have to replace the hubs sooner or later. Gives me something to do this weekend, I guess. (that'll make the wife happy). Anyway, thanks for your help. I'm trying to get the 4X4 working before I try to sell it.

 

One problem with the auto hubs, is people greasing them. The grease makes them stick, when the grease gets cold or dirty. Light oil, such as auto transmission fluid, is the thickest lube that should be used. Grease has killed many, many auto locking hubs.

 

Thanks steve, I think I'm going to put on manual hubs this weekend and see if that helps. I'm trying to get it working again before I put it up for sale.