Explorer automatic front hubs
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Explorer automatic front hubs
Howdy. My question is about the automatic front hubs of my 1994 Mazda Navajo. Essentially, it's a Ford Explorer with a Mazda badge.
I was suspicious that the 4WD was inoperative. I jacked the SUV, and placed upon axle stands, such that all 4 wheel were off the floor. When I run the engine in 4WD, I can see the front axle spinning, but the hubs don't turn.
Do you think that the problem is likely to be the hubs themselves, or the engagement mechanism at the ends of the axle ?
I guess that the teeth upon axles and hubs are prone to wear. Did Ford think about the wear problem and make the hubs of softer metal than the axles ? That would be good. I ask this question because the teeth upon my axles look shallow, but I'm unsure what the correct depth/appearance should be.
I want to repair this ASAP, but I am afraid to buy the wrong parts and spend money that I can ill afford to waste.
Thank you
Stark
I was suspicious that the 4WD was inoperative. I jacked the SUV, and placed upon axle stands, such that all 4 wheel were off the floor. When I run the engine in 4WD, I can see the front axle spinning, but the hubs don't turn.
Do you think that the problem is likely to be the hubs themselves, or the engagement mechanism at the ends of the axle ?
I guess that the teeth upon axles and hubs are prone to wear. Did Ford think about the wear problem and make the hubs of softer metal than the axles ? That would be good. I ask this question because the teeth upon my axles look shallow, but I'm unsure what the correct depth/appearance should be.
I want to repair this ASAP, but I am afraid to buy the wrong parts and spend money that I can ill afford to waste.
Thank you
Stark
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
I can see the front axle spinning, but the hubs don't turn.
Did Ford think about the wear problem and make the hubs of softer metal than the axles ?
I ask this question because the teeth upon my axles look shallow,
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Thank you, Mrshorty.
My mistake. I should have used the word 'splines' instead of 'teeth', so I was asking about wear upon the splines.
Now, if I stick my fingers into a removed hub and slide the internal mechanism then I can engage or disengage it. I mean that I can either spit the hub around the mechanism, or lock it together, depending upon the position. Would this imply that the hub is OK ? Or is the only important test when the hub is on the vehicle ?
I am trying to determine whether my problem is the hubs, or the parts that I can see at the end of the axle when the bub is removed...
Thank you for your help, sir.
Stark
My mistake. I should have used the word 'splines' instead of 'teeth', so I was asking about wear upon the splines.
Now, if I stick my fingers into a removed hub and slide the internal mechanism then I can engage or disengage it. I mean that I can either spit the hub around the mechanism, or lock it together, depending upon the position. Would this imply that the hub is OK ? Or is the only important test when the hub is on the vehicle ?
I am trying to determine whether my problem is the hubs, or the parts that I can see at the end of the axle when the bub is removed...
Thank you for your help, sir.
Stark
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
My mistake. I should have used the word 'splines' instead of 'teeth', so I was asking about wear upon the splines.
I mean that I can either spit the hub around the mechanism, or lock it together, depending upon the position. Would this imply that the hub is OK ? Or is the only important test when the hub is on the vehicle ?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Ripley NY
The hub locking assembly does wear out on them. I had a 94 that the 4x4 didn't work and the plastic on the inside of it had worn down and the tension spring had lost some of the spring. I went to a bone yard and got a set off of a ranger and put on it. I sold the vehicle some years back but do remember that was the problem with it.
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