automatic hubs: when do they engage?
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Joined: Feb 2004
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automatic hubs: when do they engage?
I haven't been on the forum in a while, but I have a question that popped up because of trailering a boat.
I have a 92 Explorer with automatic hubs. ( I push the button, the transfer case shifts, etc.).
The question is, when will the 2 front wheels be engaged? Do the front wheels need to be moving, or will they automatically be engaged the moment I push the button?
I need to know this because if I'm backing into the water and get stuck, I need to know if pushing the button will engage the front wheels. Otherwise, I'll have to put the car in 4wd before hitting the launch just to be safe.
Anyone have some insight.... does my car have to be moving for the front wheels in 4wd to work, or will they work as soon as the button is pushed and the transfer case shifts?
Thanks!
I have a 92 Explorer with automatic hubs. ( I push the button, the transfer case shifts, etc.).
The question is, when will the 2 front wheels be engaged? Do the front wheels need to be moving, or will they automatically be engaged the moment I push the button?
I need to know this because if I'm backing into the water and get stuck, I need to know if pushing the button will engage the front wheels. Otherwise, I'll have to put the car in 4wd before hitting the launch just to be safe.
Anyone have some insight.... does my car have to be moving for the front wheels in 4wd to work, or will they work as soon as the button is pushed and the transfer case shifts?
Thanks!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 805
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From: Pauline, South Carolina
As soon as the drive axle turns, the hubs will engage. They will remain engaged until the drive axle stops turning, and the front wheels reverse from the last drive direction for approximately 10 to 15 feet.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix
Yeah it doesn't matter what direction you are going. If it's in 4WD, high or low, the hubs get driven by the axel into lock. When you switch directions, there is an obvious momentary, minute even, period of time where the hubs are "open". This has no effect whatsoever on performance. Believe me, some of the off road scenarios I've been in, it's stayed locked avery time. BTW - I've had to do just what you described numerous times pulling my Jetski trailer out of the lake when the rear tires started spinning in the mud. No problem on a boat launch.
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