Automatic hubs
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,196
Likes: 11
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by mongo75
If you keep the hubs locked just to avoid having to get out and lock them when you need to, one of two things will happen. (1) you'll be lucky to only increase wheel wear, or (2) you may break something (i.e. axle) because the front axle is a locker with no differential.
FYI the only thing in a traditional 4WD system (like installed on all SD, be it ESOF or Manual Levers), that works like a locker and has no differential, is the transfer case. When the transfer case is in 4WD mode, the front and rear axles are effectively hooked together with no differential between them. This can cause binding of the drivetrain and potential damage/breakage of drive train components when driven on Dry Pavement. Hence the reason to use 4WD on slick roads or off road only.
Now if a vehicle has a Full Time 4WD system then there is a differential in the transfer case also, and therefore you can drive on dry pavement safely.
Hope this helps
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: CT
were dose the vacume get created for the auto hubs? and also i get like a reading of 13 or so on the driver side rubber hose with a vacume tester, and nothing on the passenger side, wich may explain the hard turnning of the auto to manual switching on the passenger side apposed to the easy turning on the driver side.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 0
From: round rock, tx
Originally Posted by waterboy_fishing
The issue seems to be with the seals drying and creating a vacuum leak. I've talked to my local Ford mechanic and he did not give me the impression they were designed very well. My dad has a 2000 F-250 with the hubs out, my friend had his replaced about 8 months ago, and mine last January. The hubs are about $450 apiece plus labor.
I paid $740 with parts and labor, not Ford parts, but same 1 yr warranty
The "hubs" are actually a whole piece bearing assembly that bolt to the spindle
