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Auto locking hub problem???

Old Apr 19, 2010 | 02:33 PM
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Auto locking hub problem???

I have an 06 F-250 SD, Lariat FX4. It has 73K miles on it.

The scenario is simple, when I drive at just about any speed and turn the wheel just a fraction to the left (I am talking from 12 o'clock to 11:45) I hear a VMMMMM....VMMMM....VMMMMMM about once per second and feel a small vibration in the wheel. When I go straight, I hear and feel nothing.

Does this sound like an auto locker deal to you folks?

Thanks everyone, any help is appreciated.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2010 | 12:40 PM
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Can anyone agree or disagree to this thread?
 
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Old Apr 29, 2010 | 12:46 PM
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I don't know that that would be caused by auto locking hubs, per say. It could be dry needle bearings. It could be failing hub bearings.

Does it do the same thing if you lock the hubs manually?
 
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Old Apr 29, 2010 | 01:59 PM
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Thank you for your response. This noise is really only noticeable in 2wd. I have never heard it in 4wd, however, the times I have used 4wd I am usually going pretty slow (5-10mph) and the 4wd might drown out the symptoms. I have never manually locked the hubs.

I had a guy at the ford store give me a real half *** diagnosis on the way out the door one day "new hubs around $450 should fix that noise" but I was reluctant of course. I figured I might bounce the symptoms off this site, as it seems people on here are friendly and knowledgeable.

I will look into those bearing you mentioned.


Thanks again for the response, any other ideas...anyone?
 
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Old Apr 29, 2010 | 02:07 PM
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Try it with the hubs locked manually, but the transfer case in 2wd. If you don't have a noise then, it is almost certainly the needle bearings. It's a bit of a job but they can be greased.

Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page
 
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Old Apr 29, 2010 | 02:56 PM
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When I have the front hubs locked in 2wd, there's clunking when I make sharp turns. Once the snow is gone, I just turn them back to "auto" and the noise is gone.

My truck is a 2006 F-350 CC - the auto locking hubs didn't work after the first winter, so I just lock them manually each winter.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2010 | 04:29 PM
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What your saying is how my truck does with auto and 4x4H engaged on dry ground. Maybe the 4wd isnt disengaging completely?
 
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Old Apr 30, 2010 | 05:02 AM
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Originally Posted by seville009
When I have the front hubs locked in 2wd, there's clunking when I make sharp turns. Once the snow is gone, I just turn them back to "auto" and the noise is gone.

My truck is a 2006 F-350 CC - the auto locking hubs didn't work after the first winter, so I just lock them manually each winter.


It sounds as though you probably have failed axle u-joints if its "clunking" as you turn with the hubs locked.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2010 | 07:42 AM
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Yeah I have that exact same problem and I took it into the shop and they said the driver side auto locking hub was going out and it is fairly common. He recommended buying the stronger Warn manual locking hubs but I really like the convenience of the in cab locking. Haven't decided yet.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2010 | 03:44 PM
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Thanks to all. I really appreciate your help. I will try a few of those options and get back to you over the weekend. I heard the Warn hubs are much better than what comes with these trucks, but I like the convenience of the push button as well.

dchamberlain, thanks for the link. That "bit of a job" looks like it may exceed my capability.


Thanks again ya'll!!
 
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