Auto Hub in 94 Explorer

[skittles]

I could just shoot my Explorer, mechanic, self and dealer... *little laugh*...

OK here is the deal. We have had this Explorer for about 2 weeks. It was with the mechanic off and on for about a week of that. It started making grinding whiny type noises almost immediately after we brought it home. Took it to the mechanics and they replaced the left front auto hub and greased the right one up. We changed the shocks this weekend, didn't touch the hubs. And now it is making more noises. These are more grumbly, sorta sounds like you are driving on the bumps on the side of the highway, without the bumpiness. We haven't taken it back to the same mechanic yet. But I am guess that is what is going to happen.

My question is this... Do the auto hubs go out in the 94 Explorers? and Should you have to have them readjusted EVERY time you change the shocks or take the tire off?? Is this just a design problem? I know the welded on nuts on the shock were no fun.

Thanks for your help,
*almost fed up with explorer problems*
sigh,
skittles

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I'm just a girlie girl who *smiles* and *giggles* alot... *smiles*

 

[EXPLORER SPORT]

Do you mind me asking you how much you paid for your auto hub? I'm sure you could get manual hubs ( both sides ) for less and they work alot better. I think i had that same sound from my auto hubs, boy i hated my truck then but anyway it was a broken washer inside the hub. By the way i hear its not a good idea to grease the hubs. The grease builds up and then the hub doesn't work right. Next time it happens try the 4x4 button and see if it stops. I had to do that to make mine stop making grinding feeling like the front ends falling off sounds. Hey just get Warn manual hubs and you'll love you suv Explorer again Dead Link Removed Later... P.S. I don't believe you can adjust the hubs. If you can well thats news to me. Whoever told you that, fire them!

[This message has been edited by EXPLORER SPORT (edited 05-24-99).]

 

[kvo]

Sorry to hear about the problems on your Explorer. Must have been a bad one in the production batch.

Regarding your auto hub issue, mine is also an auto hub and the only time I hear it is when I'm in 4WD, especially in LO-4WD. After I use the 4WD system, I usually put it in reverse and drive it in reverse for about 15-20 feet to disengage the hubs completely and back to rear wheel drive only. If I don't do this, the 4WD system if off but the hubs are still connected and I get a humming sound like you mentioned, may be your hub(s) is not disengaging completely. Auto hubs do break due to wear and tear and when abused just like everything else. I don't believe the auto hubs have anything to do with the shocks, or if you were to take the tire off it, unless you take the hub out and didn't put it back flush with the rotor.

There is also the option of converting the auto hubs with the WARN manual hubs (hub kit #29701, conversion kit #27997). You only need one kit of each for both sides and the total part cost is about $220. If you have the right spindle nut socket, you can do it at home and save on installation money.

 

[skittles]

Could this problem be an electrical problem? A guy at my job suggested that since it was trying to kick in by itself without pushing the 4x4 button that there might be a short in the wiring somewhere.... but where would be the question.... ahhhh... going to call the mechanic and the ford dealer service here in town...

*sigh*
carol....
i STILL love my explorer no matter what...



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I'm just a girlie girl who *smiles* and *giggles* alot... *smiles*

 

[goaty]

THIS HAS HAPPENED IN MY 92 ALOT AND I AM FINALLY REALIZING AFTER 4 SETS OF AUTO HUBS THAT IT IS TIME TO GO THO THE MANUAL HUBS. THEY ARE MUCH STRONGER AND EASIER TO FOOL WITH MY SUGESTION IS TO GO TO THE MANUAL ONES AND SAVE YOURSELF SOME MONEY AND FRUSTRATION IN THE FUTURE.

 

[skittles]

Thanks for the suggestions. We got the dealer to pay for 1/2 of the second auto hub and we are going to see what happens. If we have ANY more problems with the hubs we are going to go manual with Warn, I think that is the correct brand.

Thanks again, now time to tackle the rotors and brake pads, oh yea don't forget the thermostat. FUN FUN FUN! *smiles*

*smiles*
skittles


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I'm just a girlie girl who *smiles* and *giggles* alot... *smiles*