Hub not locking

[hopwood24]

Hello,

I am not a 4x4 genius. My 1991 Explorer is not locking the auto hub. I turn the shaft with the wheel off the ground the wheel does not move. This summer I took the wheel off to get a look at the brake pads and put grease on the parts inside. After reading some posts it sounds like that is not the thing to do. Could that be the reason or did I not put the hub "cover" back on right? Thanks for looking.

 

[walterd140]

Could be. Have you read the 4 x 4 troubleshooting guide / stickie?

 

[Xplore94]

I had the same problem twice with my 94 and both times it was a blown auto hub that was not engaging. If you leave all 4 tires on the ground and leave it in 4x2 you should be able to turn the front axle a few times and it will lock and not turn anymore. If it keeps turning then it's a hub problem.
I just replaced my auto with some M/M manuals.