92 Auto Hubs come off with tire?

[jfrank]

My soon to be 16 year old son just acquired a nice 92 EB Explorer with auto hubs. He got interested in Explorers because we keep a 91 Explorer at our ski condo in Mammoth, CA.

Anyway, today as part of his education I had him change a couple of tires using the factory supplied jack. I was a little surprised to find that the outer portion of the auto hub on the front wheels can be removed when the tire comes off. Is this normal? I don't seem to recall this being the case on our 91 which has been converted to manual hubs.

I know about all the problems with auto hubs. However these are working fine at the moment and as my son has to foot the bill for his car maintenance (teaching responsibility you know) these won't get changed to manuals until they act up. I am sure you all remember what it was like taking care of a car when you were 16.

 

[jimbo74]

its normal...dont worry about it. just toss it back on.....this used to happen a lot on Xs when i worked at a tire company and we had to remove the wheels

 

[toad]

Like jim said nothing to worry about ,there was usually a little flat speed nut on a couple of the lugs from the factory but they generaly get tossed after someone removes the hub.The hub wont always slip right back into place so just turn it a lug or two and it will slip right on.