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Auto locking hub problems

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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 11:11 AM
  #1  
bigdog250crew's Avatar
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Auto locking hub problems

My 2000 Ford 250 has auto locking hubs with option to select "Lock" or "auto". The hub selector is extremely difficult to operate. It can not be done by hand. Both front hubs are in the "auto" position, and the cab switch is in the 2WD position, but both front hubs are still locked. Any suggestions? Is it a do-it-yourself project to somehow clean and lubricate this mechanism? If not, any idea how much it would cost to have this fixed?

Thanks for any help!
 
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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 11:19 AM
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Did you check to see if the axles are free to turn by hand?

My hubs are also very hard to turn by hand. It takes a pair of pliers to turn them.

This is how I check them.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 11:27 AM
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I jacked up the wheel and the axle turns when I spin the tire.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 12:18 PM
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then the hub is stuck on if the axle turns
 
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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 04:21 PM
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Are all 2000 hubs the same. I will look at mine in the am but I am sure it has a free position and a lock. My 99 had auto and lock.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 05:17 PM
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esof has auto and lock, lever manual type has free and lock
 
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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 05:45 PM
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I got the same problem. 2000 F 250. They are real tight to turn by hand. Alxe was turnin in 2wd. I talked with friend which is mechanic at Ford dealer. He suggested pulling out hub and try to free it up some. Not hard to take out, snap ring and wiggle it out. Mine got a little better for a couple of weeks, now back to engaged again. When i turn slow sharp corners it make a little racket or feels like its in 4wd on road ugh.
Took mine out again and now the cap or part u twist came out and doesnt wanna go back in. Think im gonna go ahead a buy a set. Heard of aftermarket ones, maybe in another thread...Warns i think
Mechanic says they should move pretty easily by hand. Mine dont. Good luck!
 
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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 05:58 PM
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Oops should have thought of that.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by captchas
esof has auto and lock, lever manual type has free and lock
Respectfully, no, not always the answer. It SHOULD be that way though. I have ESOF and the dealer when replacing my bad hubs put in a hub that had lock/unlock.
They tried to tell me it was the same hub, just different "labels". Well, not true, the correct hub was a different part number. Three different dealers said it's the same hub with a different label (wrong again).

JWC, that applies to your question too, ESOF/Manual hubs are not the same. Warn makes a good one, there is another one (forgot name) that is purported to be better and the price is higher too.

The only thing you can do for now is get out your hub pulling clothes and clean/inspect/lube the existing one. Although, this MIGHT be the time to put in an aftermarket hub, both sides. After all, when you need 4X4, you really need it.....
 
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Old Aug 22, 2005 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Steve_250
[COLOR=Red]
The only thing you can do for now is get out your hub pulling clothes and clean/inspect/lube the existing one. Although, this MIGHT be the time to put in an aftermarket hub, both sides. After all, when you need 4X4, you really need it.....
I recently decided to pull and lube my auto hubs, and while in there, found a bad needle bearing for the axle...

While in there, I went and replaced the hubs with Warn Premiums... best thing I ever did.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2005 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by krewat
I recently decided to pull and lube my auto hubs, and while in there, found a bad needle bearing for the axle...

While in there, I went and replaced the hubs with Warn Premiums... best thing I ever did.
Alright now, don't MAKE me have to spend more money....
What did the Warns set you back?
I'll just say OUCH! now instead of waiting for your reply....
 
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Old Aug 22, 2005 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve_250
Alright now, don't MAKE me have to spend more money....
What did the Warns set you back?
I'll just say OUCH! now instead of waiting for your reply....
$200... I got them through an auto parts store my brother-in-law sells marine parts to.

That's about the going rate, I've seen them as little as $185 on-line but shipping was extra I think.

art k.

PS: I disassembled one of my auto-hubs, and looking at it realized the "cog" that connects the axle to the wheel is about 1/4" thick (maybe!). The Warns had a lot more meat in the same area, like three times as much, at least.

PPS: Do not take my comments as being anti-ESOF - I was a proponent for a long time for using the thing a few times a month to keep it working. Well, that didn't work
 
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Old Aug 22, 2005 | 03:10 PM
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Thanks for the info and price. I suppose I'll do the change before winter snows get here (yuck).
I'm not crazy about ESOF on a super duty, next time I'm getting the shifter.
Good place to hold my foam cooler cup anyway.

Impressive that there is so much more meat on the Warns over factory.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2005 | 03:31 PM
  #14  
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From: George West, Texas....
OK.....here's my question !
Where did you plug off the vacuum line to the old ESOF hubs ??
On the fender it looks like two lines coming off the vacuum pump, red and black.
Which goes to the hubs, the other goes to the a/c, heating adj..
 
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Old Aug 22, 2005 | 03:43 PM
  #15  
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locking hubs

I have a 2005 F250 Superduty, after driving off the lot and 5,000 miles later (hadn't put it in 4 wheel drive yet) I noticed that my front drive shaft was turning when I was driving so I checked both front hubs and both where turned to auto. I jacked up the front end and sure enough both hubs where locked. I played around with both the hubs and was able to get them to unlock but am worried about the future. I have a buddy with a 2005 and he has been having problems with his hubs not wanting to unlock as well when taking it out of 4 wheel drive.
 
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