AUTOMATIC HUB PROBLEM?PLEASE HELP

[Richard Lague]

I have a 1993 EXPLORER XLT and i think i im having a problem with my auto hubs clunking.I hear a clunk when i turn the wheel sharp and in stop and go traffic,The thing is that it does not do it all the time.My wife was in town today and she said it was clunking and got louder and quicker with the speed of the vehicle.Could this be the auto hubs trying to engage?My EXPLORER has a automatic tranny and i have only owned the vehicle a few weeks and i have never even used the 4x4.Thanks Rick.Any help would be great.

 

[Trapper14]

I have the exact same problem, no sure what it is though..... I don't think it is u-joints but maybe 4x4..... please help us...

 

[Richard Lague]

TO LEEBO

To LEEBO the problem is that when i hear these things my 4x4 is not even on,i do not use 4x4 on pavement.Could this be the auto hubs???

 

[leebo]

I'm sorry if my above post was harsh. I didn't mean any bad "vives" in it. I edited it. Piece

If you are 100% sure the 4x4 is off then you're hubs are fine. The hubs aren't even being used if it's off. It sounds like your problem maybe the Radius Arm bushing. Try a search....

But then again..it maybe the hubs...I just doubt it.

Sorry for the harsh attitude.

Lee

 

[Richard Lague]

RADIUS ARM BUSHINGS

Thanks i will check the radius arm bushings.No hard feelings have a happy 4th.

 

[BIGGUY]

IT MAY BE THE HUBS

I had a problem similar to yours. In 2wd the front hubs would clunk and squeel. The first option is to pull the front wheels off and the hubs will just pull off with the wheel. Look inside the hub for dirt and spray out with parts cleaner. Put the hub back on (with the tire of course) and try it again. If it still clunks you need new hubs. New automatic hubs are real expensive (about 250 each). I converted to manual hubs for about 150 total. Good luck!

 

[YW84U]

My 91XLT was doing the same thing - in 2WD, it would intermittently suffer a clunking noise from the front, and it would transmit through the steering wheel. It got to the point that when I would turn a corner, it would near completely lock up.

I found back up ten or so feet would relieve it enough to get home. Two months ago, I took off the auto hubs, cleaned them out with ATF, and put them back. It was only good for a week before acting up again. So, I took the hubs off and 'gutted them out' by taking out the circlip in the bottom of the hub and removing the hub assembly.

Results? No more grinding / clunking (and no 4WD!). I'm saving dollars to throw a set of Warn manuals in to restore my 4X4 - but at least for now, I'm not chewing up any of my driveline and it drives great!

Might be worth trying, to eliminate if it is your autohubs....

 

[leenjen]

leebo, you said 4wd is not to be used on roads???

what about in the winter when there is snow on the ground?
i dont want the rear to start fishtailing or swing completely around while going through a turn. that's the reason i got a 4X4 and not 2wd.

 

[jimbo74]

leenjen, snow/ ice is different.. you have to drive with finese & have good tires. 4x4 is ok becuse it will allow greater compression braking and also since the conditions arent "dry" the wheels will be able to slip a little......a lot of it is the driver though.
put andretti in a 4x4 and tell him to go wheleling and put ivan stewart in a winston cup car....what happens? they dont do to good....

 

[Ray Lobato]

Richard, Trapper,
Welcome to the site.
It is your hubs. Take them out and clean them up, then use a light coating of ATF fluid on them and put them back on. check to see that they don't have any broken parts in them. Also to disengage the auto hubs, you have to back up about 10 feet or so. You should at least once a month put your truck in 4wd and run it a little bit to keep everything lubed up. This will help things from getting sticky and not disengaging. don't forget to back up to disengage the autohubs.

 

[Richard Lague]

AUTO HUB PROBLEM

Thanks for the reply's looks like the next time i have the problem i will put it in reverse for a few feet and see if that cures the problem.I will get the warn conversion kit and switch to auto hubs.Thanks everyone.Rick Lague.

 

[Richard Lague]

AUTO HUB PROBLEM

OK it it going in the shop thursday for the warn conversion.I will keep you all posted.Rick.Wish me luck!!!!

 

[Richard Lague]

AUTO HUB PROBLEM

THE WARN HUB CONVERSION DID THE TRICK,We converted to warn hubs and it anly took about five minutes per side.THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE HELP.Rick.