Front Hubs Not Locking " I Think"

[Mike Go]

I have a 94 XLT and to make a short story out of this, Last fall I pushed the 4x4 button and the front end started grinding. Turned it off tried it again and started doing the same thing again. Sounded like it was coming from front left hub so I pulled the hub off and found nothing wrong, no rounded edges on the splines or any thing. I have power out of the transfer caseto the front end and power out to the hubs but thats it, I figured I need manual lock outs but want to be sure before I buy them. I could use a little advise.
Thanks

 

[CarFreak146]

pop it into 4WD, and make a sharp right or left turn (preferably in a parking lot) if the steering "jumps" on you... like goes full lock, then literally turns back the opposite direction for a sec, then goes back to lock, then you're 4wd system is fine. If you do go into 4wd and this doesn't happen, then one of your hubs are more than likely broken (that is if your front d/s is still turning), and that means its time to throw out the money for some Warns. Hope this Helps.

--Ryan

 

[MattHarrell]

Or, and I'm guessing this works with the auto hubs too, put it in 4wd, jack up the front end, spin the wheel and watch the axle. If it spins then it's working - if not then it's slipping. I know this works fine with the manual hubs

Of course CarFreak146's test is easier but I would recommend trying it on something with less traction - say a dirt or gravel road. Not only should it hop when 4wd is engaged but the turning radius sucks too

 

[Mike Go]

Thanks for the replys,
I took it out today and got in the mud and tried to climb a small hill with the 4x4 ingaged and it just spun the back wheels so I guess the hubs are the prob. I guess I'm just wondering why if one side goes bad why the other side won't pull?
Thanks
Mike

 

[MattHarrell]

I'm not sure. I would also think that the operation of one hub would be independent of the other hub. Are you sure it's engaging? The light stays on on the dash? Do you have a second person who can hang out nearby and see if the front axles spin with it engaged?

 

[bikerboy4lif]

If you have one hub broken, you won't spin either front wheel. Because the differential will put power to the wheel with the broke hub, and the axleshaft will just spin.

 

[Mike Go]

Yes, driveshaft turns and axle shaft turns out of the differential so I think I will go with lockouts and I think that should take care of it.
Thanks for all the info.