hubs won't engage

**bigcountrysg** · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2006, 01:03 PM

I have a 2002 F-250 with the auto hubs. They will not automatically lock in. I have to manually lock them in. With winter coming should I just lock them in and take the chance of wearing out the front end parts prematurely which I don't want to do. I know they are activated by vacuum so how do I fix this problem. When I hit the switch you can hear the transfer go into 4 wheel drive but the hubs stay free spinning. Any help. Also is there any company that makes these types of hubs on the after market.

**Brian** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2006, 01:11 PM

i wouldnt run it at hwy speeds with hubs locked. i just got a set of warn prem. hubs with conversion due to the same prob. your having. mine were sticky, hard to engage.

**bigcountrysg** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-14-2006, 01:31 PM

Well the problem with replacing them with the warn hubs is that where I live I may need 4 wheel drive at anytime in the winter and if I have to stop and get out of my truck on the freeway that could be dangerous. I like the ability of shift on the fly so I would like to fix them so they work the way they are suppose to.

**mschn99** · #4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2006, 03:06 PM

you need to start pulling vacume on the system and figure out where the vacume leak is. Odds are it is the seals in the knuckle behind the wheel bearing assemblies

**bigcountrysg** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2006, 03:46 PM

Ok it is the seals you are mentioning Marc now how do I replace these can I just replace the seals or do I need to replace the whole hub assembly which is 237 from napa by my house. I am hoping you say I can replace the seal.

**mschn99** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2006, 03:50 PM

you can change most of the seals yourself, but you will need to take both axleshafts to the dealer to have one of the seals installed, as it is pressed or pounded on with a special tool

**bigcountrysg** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-14-2006, 04:21 PM

So would you recommend I just take it to the dealer and let them do it.

**mschn99** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-14-2006, 04:24 PM

depends on your mechanical ability level.....but its gonna be cheaper to do it at home but more convenient to take it in...plus you know they will diagnose it which could take you a lot of time yourself..

**bigcountrysg** · #9 (**permalink**) 10-14-2006, 04:27 PM

well since I have these rubber band looking things hangin around the axle shafts inside the knuckle i am pretty sure it is the seals. I have 132,000 on the truck and knock on wood that I have not had any major problems with the fornt end or axle.

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