Automatic 4 wheel HUBS Racheting?!

[raiper]

Does anyone know why after i take the car out of 4-wheel drive the driver side hubs sounds like it is racheting and when in drive and doesnt make a sound when in reverse. Could it possibly not be fully unlocking or stuck in 4 while the other tire is in 2? Any help would be greatly appreaciated!

 

[dman726749]

when you take the truck outta 4x4 yo need to reverse 10 feet to unlock your auto hubs, the ratcheting could also be your auto hub giving out

 

[raiper]

i tried that again and its only the driver side that is making that noise, but it is fully operational in 4 wheel drive(all 4 tires spin). I even changed the hubs with another one, not to mention the hub is a brand new one and changed it with a an old one and still does it. Could it be the plastic/metal deal on the spine on the differential?

 

[mhn3773]

so u put the truck into park then into 4 wheel high..drove foreward 2 feet(roughly) then put it in park again took it outa 4 wheel high..then backed up 10 or so feet and its still there?

sry bout the explination i didnt mean it to sound like i was treating u stupid..just wanted to make sure u could understand what i was saying..im not very good at explaining things

 

[raiper]

yes i did....now that i paid more attention to it , it rachets and then the driver side you hear a clunk as if it was slipping then caught again in 2 hi after you take it out of 4 hi.
when you take the hubs off and put them back on is there supposed to be a gap, as in when you push it on it pushes back some.?...or is it just supposed to slide on there flush with the rotor?

 

[JDraper]

Usually when the hubs ratchet, it means they are on their way out. I'd put some manual hubs on instead of auto hubs. Much more reliable and cheaper.

As for your question about how they sit on the rotor, they should just about sit on the rotor. There may be a slight gap that goes away when you push it against the rotor. That's normal

 

[Lilmule]

My auto hubs used to do that all the time.
Ford said that was normal and they were just trying or ready to engage.

 

[FirstFord]

ive got the same problem right now, i am hearing it daily, alternates between sides, i stop and go in reverse and its quiet for a while. Ive been hearing mine since i rotated the tires could this have something to do with it??

 

[audiodude332001]

Sounds like its time for manual hubs. A great investment in my opinion. My old auto's used to do that all the time.

 

[mhn3773]

i would do the warn hubs..they will cost a tiny bit more then others but they have those fuses..will make it easier to carry spairs and also cheaper

 

[F14CRAZY]

I would agree that it sounds like your automatic hubs are crapping out. Mine are doing the same thing right now. Going forward and back a few times seems to stop the problem until I use 4x4 again. If you would like to stay with auto hubs, do a search. There is a gentleman that is rebuilding them. I'm going to replace mine through him when I decide to set aside the cash for it. Not that urgent because I don't use 4x4 all the time and when they're engaged it works fine.

We need an Auto Hub Club. An organization dedicated to those few not wanting to go outside the cab and bend over( in the mud bog, or rain, or blizzard...)

(or having your girlfriend riding shotgun do it. Prolly not a good thing to ask)