problem with push button locking hubs

[kidd13]

i was out wheeling today and i pushed the button to lock the hubs i heard the noise in the hubs or front end not sure. anyways the font tires wouldnt turn at all in the snow so the hubs arent ingaging. wondering how hard it would be to fix or switch to manual hubs. any ideas?

 

[Vargas]

A pair of manual hubs and the installation kit will run about $180. Less than the cost of one new automatic hub. Takes 5 minutes to install, once you have the wheel off.

 

[kidd13]

A pair of manual hubs and the installation kit will run about $180. Less than the cost of one new automatic hub. Takes 5 minutes to install, once you have the wheel off.

do you have to pull anything out of the axil

 

[Vargas]

No. Nothing comes out of the axle. The only parts that get changed are between the wheel and the brake rotor.

 

[kidd13]

will they come off of another vehicle that easy

 

[Vargas]

Depends on the condition of the vehicle, but generally, yes.

You will need the special socket that fits the hub locknut. Can probably rent one for cheap, but they only cost about $15.

 

[kidd13]

do you know what size that socket is

 

[Vargas]

Auto hub lock nut is 2-3/8", manual hub lock nut uses a special four prong socket . Lock nut does not need to be removed to remove either type of hub. If you are pulling an auto hub from a parts vehicle to replace one on your vehicle, you don't need to deal with that nut at all.

When you would need to remove/install the lock nut is if you are changing from one style of hub to the other (manual locking vs. automatic) since the two types use different lock nuts.

If you want to do any off-roading, I strongly suggest manual locking hubs. The Ford automatic hub on the Explorers is a toy.

 

[kidd13]

i was planning on going to manual hubs thats y i wanter to know