Auto-hub 4x4 problem

[mmcgovern919]

I just happened onto this website researching my current problem and foresee it saving me a lot of $$. I think this is great. Hopefully this problem hasn't already been solved and I just haven't seen it. Here goes...
The 4x4 on my 1994 4DR Explorer XLT doesn't work. The light will come on, I will hear the (normal) clunk, I even feel the rougher ride, but the front wheels don't turn. (I found this out when I was on an incline and the back wheels were in a couple inches of snow. The back wheels spun, I hit the push-button 4x4 and the wheels kept spinning. I'm quite sure that it doesn't work because I've tried it several times, even in 4x4Low, still nothin.) Last year I replaced my front brakes and had to completely take my hubs apart to do it. I wonder if it was something I did or something wore out (which sounds common).
I've read through the posts about 4x4 not working, but it sounds like it's talking about no light, no clunk, nothing. I just thought I would throw this out there to see if there is something else I should try before I start delving into the repairs suggested for the other problem.
I'm actually relieved to find that there's something wrong...I was almost convinced that it did work, it just sucked. Now that I know there's a problem I have hope that once it's fixed, I won't have to worry about getting stuck in this wonderful Indiana snow.
Any feedback would be wonderful! I am not a complete novice, but I'm not a mechanic for Ford either.

Matt McGovern
Black 1994 Ford Explorer XLT 4DR 4x4 76K

 

[leebo]

Originally posted by mmcgovern919
I am not a complete novice, but I'm not a mechanic for Ford either.

Last time I checked they were the same thing.....On that note I'd like to welcome you to the site. Anything and everything is all right here on your keyboard. A few quick tips....posting the same thing in several forums is a nono...not only does it take up bandwidth, it doesn't work. Most of us read almost every post so we'll get to it.

To your problem....I'd say its the hubs. From what you've said everything in the system works fine till you hit that one part. This is a common problem going around right now. It seems that everybody has left their hubs unlocked for the longest of times and now that they need them, they don't work. Sorry. There are several options out there to fix the hubs, none should cost you too much.

 

[slim]

I think you problem is one or both of the following. Your hub may be packed with dirt and grease, this will make them stick. Go tho this site for cleaning instructions.

Dead Link Removed

The other thing is your hub may be wore out inside. We have found a way to make them work again, however I would not call it a fix. Still, we have been able to make them start working again. therefore, if you want to see what we have figured out go to this thread.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=21469

slim

 

[mmcgovern919]

4x4 Auto Hub problem

Well, I finally got around to working on my hub problem this morning. I jacked up the front end, took off the wheels and took off the hubs. The ends of the hubs didn't look too dirty, but the gears and cams were pretty dirty and gunky. I tried the ATF solution mentioned earlier, but it didn't do too much for me. I used some degreaser and it got quite a bit out. The hubs looked to be in pretty good shape. I looked for wear and broken parts, but it looked good to me. I did notice that there were gears in the hub which matched up to the gears on the spindle for the wheel. But I also found gears in the hub that didn't match up to anything. Could I be missing a part? I wanted to take the hubs apart to make sure that I got it all so I wouldn't have to do it again. I got the small snap-ring out from the inside end of the hub, but I couldn't get the gears out! I got them to come out about 1/16" but that's it. It looked like the gears were getting hung up on the little button that was held on by the snap ring. (It didn't look like taking out the snap ring did anything to let the gears come out anyway) Since I can't take anything out, I don't know what it looks like in there with the gears out. I was apprehensive to force it out. Does you have to pull it through a catch or should it just fall out into your hand? Any ideas?
I had a Haynes manual and it showed how when you put the hubs back on you had to make sure the 3 teeth on the wheel spindle match up to 3 slots on the inside of the hub. I don't have 3 obvious slots on my hub, but I have what look to be 3 more teeth on the hub, but it will only go on one way. Anyone else run into this?
I put it together (making sure the hubs went on to the spindle the exact same way I took them off) and went for a test drive. Before, I got the dashlight, clunk....the whole 9 yards, but no 4x4. Now, I get the dashlight and the clicking coming from the jack storage area in the back. It sounds like I now have a T-case problem and a Hub problem. Since this is the first time the no-clunk and clicking has happened, I hope it's a small fix. Any suggestions? Any help would be great!

 

[ChewieM16]

that CLUNK from the rear IS normal when u hit the "4x4" button right??

 

[ksaldibar]

similar problem

i have a similar problem here is the link to what people said to me. i hope it helps.

Dead Link Removed

-ken

 

[slim]

mmcgovern919, I have taken the gear out of three different hubs. Yes, you must remove the snap ring. Then on a hard flat surface tap the hub face down. Further, the gear will not just fall out it takes quit a few taps, 10 to 30 time usually does it. Just keep impacting it till it comes out. Once the gear is out you will find a whole new world of junk inside.

Now, between the part that slides on the gear and the plastic surface inside the hub is where we are putting a spacer. Further, it is this plastic surface that is worn. Therefore, by making a spacer 1/16" thick and placing it between the sliding part and the hub itself, they work again.

Finally, you should be able th figure out the outside diameter and the inside diameter by looking at the hub. We like making the out of stainless steel. The stainless is difficult to work with but is is strong and smooth.

While it is apart you should change the bearing. You can get them here for two dollars, if they quoted me correctly over the phone.

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Good luck.

Good luck.

slim


[Edited by slim on 01-05-2001 at 06:49 AM]

 

[mmcgovern919]

4x4 auto hub problem

ChewieM16: The clunk is normal in that it has done it consistenly since I've had the Explorer. The dealer said to expect a clunk, but I can't say it's consistent for Fords to do that when they go into 4x4. 8)
Great Slim, thanks for the info. I'll try again with a little more muscle. Hopefully that will fix the hub part of my problem. I will get in there and try to determine if I need a spacer. I know it was discussed that it wasn't a permanent fix, but we use the 4x4 so infrequently, I'd hate to put a bunch of money into new hubs if I could get a good spacer made of stainless steel or something so it would extend the life of the spacer.

Matt McGovern
1994 Black Ford Explorer XLT 4dr 4x4
Clarion 6 disc CD changer

 

[leebo]

I'm not sure if it's more of a "clunk" or just sort of a click, but both are normal. The computer that controls the T-case is located in the rear by the window washer tank and makes a slight sound when you push the button. At least it should anyways. This was made really normal when I relocated it about 3 feet closer to the driver once I installed my Quick Air compressor...sound got louder.

 

[slim]

Matt, I wish I knew for sure. This is all still new, you are only the fourth person I know of to try this. However, let me tell you my brother-in-law made his with stainless steel and he beats the crap out of his truck. Still, the hubs keep working. Finally, with proper maintenance there would not be auto hub problems. I was amazed at the sticky junk inside them.

slim

 

[ChewieM16]

thanks for answering the "clunk" question guys!

 

[ksaldibar]

manual hubs?

i have a feelling that my auto hubs are blown, and i am thinking about putting manual hubs on. i know how to activate them (lock the hubs, and then hit the 4x4 button) , but do i have to reverse them if i go inreverse, like auto hubs do automatically? thanks for any help

-ken

 

[ChewieM16]

no reverse! thats the best part! =c)

 

[Triton46]

I am having a similar problem and beleive that it has to be the hubs.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=142759#post142759

Thanks Waverider, changing the hubs will be my next step.

I am 99% sure that 4X4 is disengaged. The sensor on the wheel that is part of the electronic motor sends a signal through those 6 copper teeth to the switch. When 4x4 is engaged, the wheel turns and the copper teeth contact a point on the wheel which turns the 4X4 light on. When Low Range is engaged, the wheel turns to a point which lights up the Low Range light. The reverse is true as well. So, the lights turning off signifies that the wheel has made its trip back to the starting place, thusly turning off the 4X4 and Low Range light. It has to be disengaged, there is no other way for those lights to turn off (this all came to me this morning after some sleep ).

 

[JoeC5]

I was wondering if i did any possible damage. Here is the story. I was stuck on steep driveway with about 2-3 feet of snow, popped in 4lo started to make my climb, tires started spinning, at this point i was getting pretty mad, so i gassed it, guess it wasnt a good move, anyway did about 3000-3500rpm with tires spinning. I didnt here anything break or any strange noises. Did i get lucky?

 

[Triton46]

Probably not since the tires were spinning, had you been traveling down a dirt road doing over 20mph then you probably would have put to much stress. 4X4 is like having 20% power to the front wheels and 80% to the rear, 4Lo is like having a 50/50 split. This is why 4Lo is used for slow conditions and not running over 20mph. Like I said though, you were spinning so the amount of stress on the drivetrain was minimum.

 

[ksaldibar]

Speed Limits?

I think I heard something about a speed limit for 4x4 low (which i forgot), but is there one for 4x4 hi as well. if so what are the speed limits? thanx for any help.

-ken

 

[Triton46]

4Hi can go up to 55mph...but I wouldn't push it past 40.
4Lo can go up to 20mph...but I usually stay under 10mph.

 

[ksaldibar]

finally fixed!!!!!

Finally, my 4x4 systemis being fixxed. It is in the Shop as i write this. It turned out that nothing was the matter with the transfercase, but that my auto-hubs were blown. We are having them replaced manual hubs. Thanks for all the information from you guys.

-ken

 

[slim]

ksaldibar, what are you going to do with your old hubs. I would like to have they if you are just going to throw them away.

Slim