automatic locking hubs
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Freshman User
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automatic locking hubs
Hi folks,
I have a 93 F150 with auto locking hubs. I know most say go manual, but I like my automatic ones. The question is, what kink of maintenance should I be doing on them and how can I tell that they are good now since it's summer in Canada and I really need them in the winter.
Thanks
Ray
I have a 93 F150 with auto locking hubs. I know most say go manual, but I like my automatic ones. The question is, what kink of maintenance should I be doing on them and how can I tell that they are good now since it's summer in Canada and I really need them in the winter.
Thanks
Ray
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
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If your going to do that much work, get manuals
I've been in 4x4 with auto hubs and they suck. Feels like sometimes they don
t catch, and when it does its not a pretty sound. heard one case where they wouldnt disengage and the wheel bearing went out. Do some searches on auto locking hubs. IMO its worth spended 30 seconds locking them in, rather then not knowing if and when they are bad, broke
I've been in 4x4 with auto hubs and they suck. Feels like sometimes they don
t catch, and when it does its not a pretty sound. heard one case where they wouldnt disengage and the wheel bearing went out. Do some searches on auto locking hubs. IMO its worth spended 30 seconds locking them in, rather then not knowing if and when they are bad, broke
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: western pa,zelienople
Stay away from grease. Set them in a can that holds enough transmission fluid to cover them. Let the hubs soak while you clean and inspect the reast of parts. Shake off extra fluid, and put it back together.
Keep in mind, we all know when auto hubs dont lock but, we over look when they dont unlock. That is hard on parts and, gass mailage.
Bob
Keep in mind, we all know when auto hubs dont lock but, we over look when they dont unlock. That is hard on parts and, gass mailage.
Bob
Last edited by bobcf; Aug 28, 2006 at 04:12 PM.
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Freshman User
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But is there a way with certainty to check if they are locking/un locking? When I engage the 4x4, the front end jerks a bit on gravel when I do a turn into a driveway, so I am assuming that they are coming on, but how can I tell both are working properly?
Thanks,
Thanks,
Elder User
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hmmm. You should be in neutral and stopped when you engage the 4x4. And it should be disengaged until your in neutral again to take it out of 4x4. There shouldn't be any 4x4 engaging on its own. its also not good to be driving in 4x4 on smooth pavement, concrete etc. Gravel is fine.
How many miles
manual or button transfer case shifter
How many miles
manual or button transfer case shifter
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Central PA
When they blow and send little chucks of metal into bearings have fun .I had one go 78000 had to replace spindle, bearings ect in snow storm. Replaced with manual hub. Thought that would work on other that weekend but the other went following day. And I had Truck maintained at ford garage. I dont like them any more. good luck
Last edited by lostin90s; Aug 28, 2006 at 06:58 PM.
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Posting Guru
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From: N. Gwinnett Co. Georgia
This has been debated forever. I had 285,000+ on my F250 with auto hubs. Pulled them down every year and soaked them in Marvel Mystery oil after cleaning. Used 4x4 daily selling building materials and land development. Never had a failure. Have had manual hubs and pulled them down yearly as well, same routine. Wouldn't have something I had to depend on without doing the PM deal.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Michigan
That's not true. The axleshaft has to spin faster than the hub in order for the clutch inside the auto hub to engage. Not sure as to how to check for proper operation manually.
Anyone have ideas?
Anyone have ideas?
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
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auto hubs
With the truck parked on level ground in 2wd in park reach under and spin the front driveshaft by hand. The hubs should lock in after a couple of twists. If they chatter or skip excessively then look at the axles to see which one is skipping and replace it. To unlock just drive in 2wd and they will unlock.
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The '95 factory service manual says the hubs will unlock when the 4x4 transaxle is disengaged AND the vehicle is driven at least 10 feet in the opposite direction in which the hubs were locked. So with front wheels jacked up spin the drive shaft and the front hubs should engage. Watch which direction the wheels turned when they engaged. Then turn the wheels in the opposite direction and they should disengage.