1994 w/AUTO LOCK HUBS PLEASE HELP

[Iron Will]

I already know that I should replace the Auto hubs with manual ones. I would like some help in diagnosing my problem before I run out and spend $200 to not fix a problem. I have pulled apart the front of the vehicle and cleaned the hubs, I have not found anything that stands out as being wrong. These are new hubs as of 20,000 miles ago. They only get used in the snow. The 4 wheel drive seems to engage fine. Once you get rolling the hubs stay locked in for a second then pop out with a loud bang. It is not consistant as to when they pop out. They do re-engage if you do not have alot of force on them. As I said I have pulled apart the front end and found nothing wrong. The Shift motor on the transfer case seems to be working as well. I am going to try changing the transfer case fluid as it has never been done. Any other I deas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dejello]

Well, I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but how much grease is in the hubs? There shouldn't be alot of it there from what I remember.

 

[Iron Will]

I cleaned them out and there is as little as possible left on them if any.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Try searching for "hub spacer". If I remember correctly there is a plastic piece in the hub that wears down and then the hubs don't engage right. Someone on here I think fabricated a metal spacer to fix the problem. Not sure if this is the problem, but it's worth a shot. You may also want to check the u-joints to make sure they are not bad and causing the problem too.

 

[slim]

hub spacer

hello Iron

Are you still working on your auto hubs. I can tell you if you need a spacer and how to make one.

slim

 

[Iron Will]

Yep I am still working on them. I tried cleaning the actuator on the transfer case, thats working fine, I tried cleaning the hubs. I tried switching the hubs. Nothing has worked. There are no tell tale signs of something being broke. i know its not the u-joints either. A spacer might be something to try. if that doesn't work... It looks like new hubs. Its an expensive test but it will be worth it in the long run from what I have been reading.

 

[Naga Sadow]

My auto hubs are broken also. I looked inside my left hub and found that some sort of bolt in the middle snapped in half so the hub pops in and out on its own when 4wd is engaged. Could getting stuck in the mud really have caused this?

 

[FourXFred]

yah, mine are "grenading" as well. i was trying to back up a steep hill in the snow off roading and i had to floor it. the front right made a loud bang and then a lot of clicking and grinding, as it fell out of engagement. pulled forward, it poped back in, and now it works fine again. kinda weird. time for some warn manual hubs i guess.

 

[slim]

Iron, did you take the hub apart when you cleaned it? If you didn't try it. When the hub get dirt and grim inside they get sticky. I have 171K on my truck and the auto hubs still work, they need taken apart, cleaned and lube twice a year. If you don't clean them they will self Dis truck.

By the way, I collect auto-hubs. If anyone wants to give them away, I will pay the shipping.

slim

 

[kdogg212001]

hey i am looking for the auto reubuils link to rebuild a extra set of auto hubs i have any one got the link??

 

[rocco123]

Iron Will,

I felt the same way. If you giveme your e-mail I can send a few pics showing exactly what wears on the auto hub. When I saw what was worn on mine I had no problem making a decision to switch to manuals. I also own a '94 with 130 K.