4x4 auto hubs won't disengage

6 posts 6 contributors 1,947 views

Member since May 2003
1 post
Crest Hill, IL, USA

May 20, 2003 at 11:13 AM

I've read numerous postings about the trouble with auto hubs, and how they won't engage properly. I have a '94 XLT with the shift-on-the-fly push button 4x4 and auto hubs. My problem is the opposite however. After returning from 4 wheel drive mode, the hubs have difficulty disengaging. The transfer case seems to be functioning properly, as I can hear and feel it engage/disengage as I push the button on/off. Backing up doesn't work as it should to disengage them. Only after a few miles of making loud noise they finally make an awful clunk in the front end a few times, then seem to disengage. I heard about installing the warn manual hubs, are they worth it? If it cures my problem, I'm all for it.

BaMaFrEaK

Member since Jan 2003
19 posts
Birmingham, AL, USA
2 vehicles in the registry

May 20, 2003 at 5:02 PM

I am sorry to say it but Fords auto hubs are prolly the worst hubs out there. They are not reliable at all. I would say go for the warns.

"Horsepower sales cars, torque wins races" Carrol Shelby

BoulderBronco

Member since Jul 2002
105 posts
Telluride, CO, USA
2 vehicles in the registry

May 21, 2003 at 8:33 PM

Warns Premium Hubs are definately worth it. They usually run around $100. They have a lifetime warranty too. Not that you can break them.

93 Bronco,White/Green

Engine:
351W, 130 amp alternator, AGR High Pressure power steering pump, Custom K&N intakes, BroncoAir YORK on-board-air kit,

Drivetrain:
E4OD tranny, BW 1356 T-Case, 6" Superlift w/radius arms, Superlift Superrunner Steering Kit, D44 TTB front w/ARB, Warn Premium hubs, 4.88 gears, Ford 8.8 rear, custom CV driveshaft front, custom length driveshaft rear, 37" MTR's, BroncoAir Extreme Duty Winch Bumper, Warn M12000 winch,

Other: Lund Moon Visor, Tinted windows, PIAA 90Series fog/driving lights, full size spare, Uniden CB, kick ass stereo, Alpine MP3 head unit, CD/MP3 Changer, Orion amps, Boston 12" subs, MBQuart components.

Future: D60 front w/ custom coils, Sterling 10.25" rear, ARB's and 4.88's, full Bassani Exhaust/Header system, hopefully a supercharger but ya know it's all about the $$$$$$$$$
I am also the owner of BroncoAir

anthony riczko

Member since May 2003
3 posts
pt st lucie Fla, FL, USA

May 25, 2003 at 10:03 AM

I had auto s in my truck and they also took a crap put a set of manuals in it have never had a problem since

Mike Yearick

Member since May 2003
1 post
Doylestown, PA, USA

May 26, 2003 at 10:56 AM

switch it back into 2 high, and then put it in reverse, and back up 10-15 feet. This should disengage it.

FastFreddy

Member since Feb 2003
19 posts
Temple, TX, USA
1 vehicle in the registry

Jun 6, 2003 at 10:51 PM

My sister had autos in her F250 when ever she got in some mud with her horse trailer they would kick out as far as not letting go I would take them apart and reassemble with a light coating of marine grade grease they are probobly dry and sticking or got water in them

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