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4x4 not locking in

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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 09:19 PM
  #1  
mlvette69's Avatar
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Wink 4x4 not locking in

Hello all,

My qeustion is the 4 wheel won`t lock in when the switch on the dash is turned to 4x4 unless i manually lock the hubs outside. The truck is an 02. Could it be dirty hubs or is there someplace else to look.



Thanks, mike
 
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 10:48 PM
  #2  
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99f350sd
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Yes the hubs could be dirty. It could also be the vacuum system that controls them.

Dick
 
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 11:35 PM
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Mike Johnston
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From: The Republic of Texas
Like 99 said, it could be nothing more serious than loss of vacuum. Check all hoses, especially near the hubs.
 
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 11:44 PM
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biz4two
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I have the same problem.

My diagnosis from a local dealership:
1. Vacuum actuator bad. --> Need to be replaced at about $37.00 part (installed myself)
2. ESOF hubs stripped. --> Need to be replaced at about $500 from the dealer. eBay is a good source for new and used hubs.

TIP: You might want to look at your vacuum actuator. Check for any vacuum leaks (look for the leaks at the hub area too). When the 4wd **** on the dash is turned, the vacuum actuator should pulse (vacuum) for about 20 sec. When you turn the **** back to 2wd...the actuator should pulse for about 5 sec.

If you pull the hubs (easy process), clean them...and reinstall...make sure to add grease to the hub.

Good luck...
biz

_________________________________
2003 F250 SD SC 142" XLT FX4 V10 Auto 4x4 3.73s
 

Last edited by biz4two; Mar 5, 2006 at 11:46 PM. Reason: mispelling
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 03:05 PM
  #5  
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BigSoundRacing
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From: Lake Havasu
I just installed the Warn Premium Hubs(manual) and they are great. These complete my truck for now.

2000 V10 CC
X-Springs up fron provide 2" lift
Bilstien 7100 f/r
4.88 f/r with an Eaton Limited in the rear and a LockRite in the Dana 50

Tows anything anyplace.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 05:57 PM
  #6  
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From: Bass Lake, CA
do you guys just leave your hubs locked all the time, and flip the **** inside, or do you actually get out of the car and lock the hubs every 2 miles as needed??? cuz im sure you dont leave it in 4wd all the time..........


for me, i need 4wd to get out of my driveway, sometimes i need it to get up my road to the main road, and others i need it to make it about 5 miles to the main hwy where they actually sand the roads regularly.....and then, leaving town, you go back up in elevation, and need 4wd again for about 3-4 miles... that would be alotta stopping, and unlocking hubs.....

i would not have bought a 4wd if i was always having to get out and lock hubs, this could easily be 3-4 times a day, in each direction to and from work.....and with no where to pull out...lol.

seems like a big hassle to me.


btw, mine are NOT working now, my hubs are locked, and the switch is in 2wd, i flip it to 4 hi for a few seconds about every 50 miles......stealership says they are busy, and itll be a week or two before they can get to it....
 
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Old Mar 6, 2006 | 10:33 PM
  #7  
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Smokeless
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From: Peace River, Alberta
Same problem here, 03 250 V10 I pulled the vac hose of the hub and can feel vac on the drivers side when switch gets turned but no vac on Passenger side? An ideas
 
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Old Mar 7, 2006 | 01:44 AM
  #8  
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Musicman250
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From: Alberta, Canada
Smokeless, I guess you have a leak in the seal in the drivers side and the passanger side is actually OK. Thats why when you test the passenger side you get no pressure... all the air is leaking through the seal in the drivers side.
Remove the lines from one side and plug it, so you can test the other side properly. Be aware that the vac pulse only lasts for a few seconds each time you turn the switch.
If it is the hubs that are leaking the post a reply and I will help you with that.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2006 | 01:48 AM
  #9  
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Musicman250
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From: Alberta, Canada
Mattsf250, a lot of guys leave their hubs locked all winter and just use the in dash **** when they need 4x4. I have the same commute driving as you (local snow to start and end and clear hi-way in the middle), I used to jump in & out of the cab at every road change, but its tooooo much bother, now my hubs get locked in with the first snow and dont get unlocked untill about April.
 

Last edited by Musicman250; Mar 7, 2006 at 01:53 AM.
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