manual hub question

[whitesport94]

I just bought a 1994 Ford Explorer Sport and will be picking it up tommorrow I just had a quick question about the front manual hubd for the 4wd if they are set on lock the only time 4wd will engage is when you hit the button inside? or do you drive around with them in the free position and when you need 4wd switch them to lock and hit the button? Basically I wanted to know what they need to be set at when I don't need 4wd. Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[camaro_guy_z28]

There is no reason to ride around with the hubs locked unless it is winter and u may need to quickly put it in 4x4. Just more wear and tear and less gas mileage. My suggestion is always leave them unlocked unless you know u will need 4x4 and then press your button accordingly. Hope i was of some help.

 

[DCExploder]

I have a 94 and it has automatic hubs. I think that thay all do. The automatic hubs should, if working, disengage the front unless the 4wd button is depressed. No fiddling with the hubs required. I have heard that installing manual hubs is recommended to improve fuel economy. Some think that even though the autos are disengaged, they still cause more friction.

 

[Bwana Bob]

No, it isn't a fuel economy issue. Its just that sooner or later one of the automatic hubs will break. Replacement auromatic hubs cost about $275 each. Replacing both hubs with manual ones costs about $200 for both, including the cost of a conversion kit and a hub nut tool. Its very easy to do the conversion.

The manual hubs are stronger and more reliable, and therefore are faviored by the off-roaders. Even if they don't break, with age the auto hubs can get flaky, either not engaging or not disengaging properly. With manual hubs, you know always what position they're in (unless you have a poor memory).

Procedure for using manual hubs: If you anticipate snow, mud or sand along your route, lock the hubs before embarking. When you encounter slippery conditions, push the 4X4 button. When you get out of the soup onto dry pavement, push the 4X4 button to go back to 2WD. At the end of your trip, get out and manually disengage the hubs.

It is a good idea once per month to lock the hubs (but don't go into 4WD) and drive for a couple of miles. This helps keep the front drive components loose and lubricated. However, if you drive for an extended period, gas mileage will suffer, because the front axles, diff gears, and front driveshaft are turning, introducing some drag.

Bob

 

[blacklake]

Someone discribed the problem I am having with the stock auto hubs mine aren't unlocking when they should be and I am getting poor fuel mileage. I have done a test I tied a rag to the front drive shaft (just after the transfer case) and when I am driving I can hear the hubs some times engage when the feel like it I just have to stop and put it in reverse and that takes them out again. Is the best recomended fix to put on manuals or is their a way I can fix/grease up the autos to work. I dont really do much off roading but will need 4x4 a lot in the snow/winter. Its a 93 explorer ED

 

[Positive Vibes]

Whitesport,

The hubs should be in the "free" position when putzing around on the road and highway. As Bob said, when you think your gonna need 4x4, switch the hubs to "lock" and then when you do need 4x4 just hit the button. And remember to "unlock" the hubs when your back on solid ground.

Blacklake, If your autos are having problems I would swap them for manual locking hubs. The price of one auto locking hub is the same as two manuals.

 

[Bwana Bob]

Someone discribed the problem I am having with the stock auto hubs mine aren't unlocking when they should be and I am getting poor fuel mileage. I have done a test I tied a rag to the front drive shaft (just after the transfer case) and when I am driving I can hear the hubs some times engage when the feel like it I just have to stop and put it in reverse and that takes them out again. Is the best recomended fix to put on manuals or is their a way I can fix/grease up the autos to work. I dont really do much off roading but will need 4x4 a lot in the snow/winter. Its a 93 explorer ED

Yes, that's the problem I had. The left hub would even lock by itself when I went around a turn. That's a spooky experience!

Try reomving the hub and checking to make sure that it is not packed with excessive grease. The hubs shouldnot be "packed". Some owners have had success in cleaning them out by pouring ATF or gear oil into the hub, letting it soak in, then pouring out the excess. I tried this and it did keep the hub from locking by itself, but when I deliberately went into 4WD it wouldn't lock properly. I concluded that the hub was just broken. It is possible to disassemble them, but the only part you can buy is the bearing because it is a standard item.

I opted to replace my hubs with WARN manual hubs. They are cheaper, more reliable, and I never have to guess whether they are truly locked or unlocked.

Bob.

 

[Mr. Souc]

I just bought a set of warn ones today, very nice. I blew my auto hubs up in a cornfield and to fix the would have been around 400 bucks, but for about $250 I got manual ones which should be ten times better than the binding and clicking of auto hubs. Not only that but to unlock the auto ones I have to shut 4X4 off and turn the wheel to each side a few times, they do eventually unlock. Definatley better to get manual ones, and replace them. The auto ones do blow up. Good Luck

 

[soundaroundyou]

Auto Lockout Rebuild

I found a guy on Ebay that is selling rebuilt auto hubs ($150.00) for Explorers, Rangers, etc... Just incase you want to keep the auto feature. Pretty impressive deal.
His name is khgreene-half. Just do a seller search to find him. I switched to manual hubs myself. Found the entire Warn kit with manual conversion for $166.00 with shipping on Ebay (abros1973).

Chris

 

[DeRocha]

I have a 94 and it has automatic hubs. I think that thay all do. The automatic hubs should, if working, disengage the front unless the 4wd button is depressed. No fiddling with the hubs required. I have heard that installing manual hubs is recommended to improve fuel economy. Some think that even though the autos are disengaged, they still cause more friction.

Explorers came with both auto and manual hubs. Automatic hubs will ONLY disengage when you reverse direction for several feet... The downside to driving around with your HUBs locked is slightly more fuel consumption (as the front axles will be rotating, but not powered). Unlocking the hubs frees the axles and they will no longer rotate...