Auto Locking Hubs explanation

129028 Views 24 Replies 14 Participants Last post by 97_7.3_4X4, May 30, 2015

wopr21

Discussion Starter · Jan 24, 2012

Ok Ive gone through a lot of threads here and cannot find an answer to my question.

I have a 2001 F250 7.3 Diesel. I just replaced both auto locking hubs and wheel bearings. All tested fine and according to my mechanic, all is working normally. I want to know if 4WD low engagement is the same as getting out of your truck and locking the hubs manually. If I have my hubs in the "auto" position, why do I still have to get out and rotate the hubs into manual. Some people are telling me that because of limited slip differential that I dont have full 4WD until I get out and change the hubs to manual. So my question is why have auto locking hubs if I still have to manually change the hubs.

It seems like I have half 4WD until I lock the hubs myself. Then its great. I've gotten stuck in snow many times thinking I have engaged 4WD when I haven't.
Its frustrating when everyone with 4WD is just plowing past you.

Thx anyone

wopr21

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thebierguy

· #21 · Jan 31, 2012

Mine are extremely hard to turn as well. Had to build a special tool to have with me in the case I need it. Haven't needed it yet because my whole vacuum system is in good shape. Since I have owned it, I have serviced the Autolocking hups twice: Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page

I know that the problem with the knobs turning hard is very hard to fix. I guess there is an o-ring just inside the case that swells over time from petroleum products (what I read somewhere) and makes it hard to turn. You may be able to lube it with some spray if it isn't too bad yet and make it better. Many people purchase the after market Warn hubs. The downside is that these are manual locking hubs - not needing the vacuum system. IF you want new Auto-hubs from ford, I think they can cost about $200 each if I am not mistaken.

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SeattleStroke

· #22 · Jan 31, 2012

Thanks for the link. That is just what I needed.
I like the way the vacuum system works and would like to keep it working.
I did not realize the Warns were manual only.

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dillonz1

· #23 · May 27, 2015

SeattleStroke said:
I have a question.
I have never had to use my manual locks until last weekend (I have owned the truck only a year and a half). My last truck (Dodge) did not have manual hubs.
The problem is there are no markings on the hubs to indicate which way to turn them. I turned them both to the right to engage and both to the left to disengage. Does that sound right?
They were very hard to turn. Do they need some type of maintenance? I imagine there is some crud in there that needs cleaning out?
I know this is a rookie question, but it's my first Ford 4X.:icon_ford:

"The problem is there are no markings on the hubs to indicate which way to turn them. I turned them both to the right to engage and both to the left to disengage." anyone have an answer for this question, mine are missing the marks on the outer hubs that the owners manual says its important to line them up with?

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Bill Kay

· #24 · May 27, 2015

c"LOCK" wise locks the hubs. Easy to remember.

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97_7.3_4X4

· #25 · May 30, 2015

Unless you are in extremely slippery conditions, having 4WD will make your vehicle extremely difficult to steer.

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