Vibration when Hubs are locked
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Junior User
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From: West Chester
Vibration when Hubs are locked
1988 F-250 4x4 XL 351 , w/ Meyer plow, 8ft bed,(Manual/part time hubs)
Just got this truck on the road and was going over the 4x4 system.
When I lock in the front hubs I get a front end vibration. This happens with the transfer case in 2wd or 4wd. Unlock the hubs, put it in 4wd no vibration. Vibration only happens when both hubs are locked, as stated transfer case in 2wd or 4wd.
Someone told me sounded like it was the hubs/bearing bad. Someone esle thought it was the universals.
Looking for input before I tear into this. If it is the hubs is it worth the money to replace with Warn hubs?
Thanks for any help, Snow is do here in 36 hrs I got to get this fixed.
Just got this truck on the road and was going over the 4x4 system.
When I lock in the front hubs I get a front end vibration. This happens with the transfer case in 2wd or 4wd. Unlock the hubs, put it in 4wd no vibration. Vibration only happens when both hubs are locked, as stated transfer case in 2wd or 4wd.
Someone told me sounded like it was the hubs/bearing bad. Someone esle thought it was the universals.
Looking for input before I tear into this. If it is the hubs is it worth the money to replace with Warn hubs?
Thanks for any help, Snow is do here in 36 hrs I got to get this fixed.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
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The spindles have needle bearings that the front-drive axles ride on, and for an 88 truck they might be rusty. If they have never been done on your truck I can gaurantee they are dry. Also that person who told you it's the universals on the drive axles is probably right too.
I'd take the hubs off, then unbolt the spindles from the steering knuckles and check the inner bearings. Then the front-drive axles can be pulled free from the front differential and the universals easily replaced. There are some guys who say they can change the front universals without dissassembly, and those are the guys who have trucks with dry bearings!
It's not that difficult of a job and if you just bought the truck you don't know the condition of any of the bearings. So take it apart. It's most likely dry universals and bearings causing the vibe.
I'd take the hubs off, then unbolt the spindles from the steering knuckles and check the inner bearings. Then the front-drive axles can be pulled free from the front differential and the universals easily replaced. There are some guys who say they can change the front universals without dissassembly, and those are the guys who have trucks with dry bearings!
It's not that difficult of a job and if you just bought the truck you don't know the condition of any of the bearings. So take it apart. It's most likely dry universals and bearings causing the vibe.
Last edited by dudeintruck; Feb 12, 2007 at 02:50 AM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
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From: Michigan
When my hubs are locked, I get a slight vibration above 60 mph. It seems to be in the driveshaft, but those u-joints are recently replaced. Is this common, or do you think my needle bearings may be going in the spindles? Or should I not leave the hubs locked on the highway, in 2wd of course?
Al
Al
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by alz
When my hubs are locked, I get a slight vibration above 60 mph. It seems to be in the driveshaft, but those u-joints are recently replaced. Is this common, or do you think my needle bearings may be going in the spindles? Or should I not leave the hubs locked on the highway, in 2wd of course?Al
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
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From: Michigan
I have already done all the axle u-joints last year and seem to still be smooth. I think I'm going to pull the driveshaft and try to isolate where the vibration is. Driveshaft or axle somewhere?
Al
Al
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
It is probably the hubs themselves, although I don't know what would be wrong with them that would cause a vibration.
The reason I say that is because if the hubs are locked in, then the front axles, the carrier, and the front driveshaft are all spinning.
If the case is in 4hi, and the hubs are unlocked, then all of the same components are moving. Therefore, the problem isn't with any of them. The only thing it can be is the hubs themselves.
The reason I say that is because if the hubs are locked in, then the front axles, the carrier, and the front driveshaft are all spinning.
If the case is in 4hi, and the hubs are unlocked, then all of the same components are moving. Therefore, the problem isn't with any of them. The only thing it can be is the hubs themselves.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lincoln, Nebraska
yea it sounds like you need to replace the hubs if you get to speeds above 55 they will start to howl but i dont notice a vibration
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
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From: Michigan
I only get the vibration when hubs are locked. Everything runs smooth until I get on the highway above 60-65. I'm not sure what could be wrong with the hubs? There's really no moving parts in there when they are locked. No, the suspension is all stock.
Maybe I just shouldn't run on the highway with the hubs locked. But alot of people on this site say they lock them all winter until spring. I think these manual hubs are more of a pain than the autos I replaced.
Al
Maybe I just shouldn't run on the highway with the hubs locked. But alot of people on this site say they lock them all winter until spring. I think these manual hubs are more of a pain than the autos I replaced.
Al
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
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From: Michigan
Well it just started snowing here and expecting 5-8 inches. So I'm not going to pull the front driveshaft just yet. I figure if the driveshaft is off and I still get the vibration, it's in the axle somewhere. If not, then the driveshaft or the t/c. All u-joints have been replaced as well as wheel bearings, ball joints, MileMarker hubs, and powerslot rotors.
Thanks
Al
Thanks
Al
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
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From: Michigan
Yesterday I drove all day with the hubs locked after greasing all the driveshafts u-joints. Maybe they just needed a little grease and use. The vibration seem to be just about gone. I can still tell the hubs are engaged but it's not too bad.
Al
Al
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