4x4 Auto hub engangment / disengagment issue

[tdevil44]

Ive got a 94 Mazda B4k 4.0 auto trans 4x4 with stock auto locking hubs. Ive pulled these apart a couple times to repack my wheel bearings, after reinstalling them I'm having some issues with the hubs. The transfer case shifts fine, and it has not had any issues with engaging the hubs, but shifting out they do not shift out properly. I have to roll back about a foot to get them to disengage with a very audible click, and half the time they do not disengage at the same time, and i am left listening to this ratcheting / clicking noise when driving, and if I turn with one hub still locked in it sounds like my front diff is grinding.
I read that the hubs were not supposed to be greased, but covered with a small amount of ATF, and i have cleaned and tried this with little improvement. I would like to keep the auto hubs for convenience, but I am getting close to just switching to manual hubs.
Any ideas or tips on how I could possibly fix this issue would be greatly appreciated

 

[Curious Hound]

It is ok to grease these assemblies. But just a very light coating of grease or oil. Too much of anything and they will have trouble. Of course, cold weather will make it even worse. So a light oil or ATF is best.

It is normal to have to back up a little bit to disengage them. That's the nature of these hubs. Make sure your transfer case is back in 2wd so it is not putting torque on the axle shafts.

If they still don't work right, maybe they're getting worn and need replacing. I got rid of mine years ago because I wanted more positive control over engagement/disengagement.

 

[SenorNoob]

This. ^

Mile Marker 95-27997 Explorer Nut Conversion Kit

Mile Marker 428 Premium Locking Hubs fits 1990 1994 Explorer & 1983 1997 Ranger

OEMTOOLS 25965 66.5 x 80 Millimeter 1/2 Inch Drive Front Wheel Bearing Locknut Socket

Automatic To Manual Hub Conversion

Everything you need except the socket for the Auto Hub nut and a magnet to get that wedge out.

 

[tdevil44]

I appreciate it. I might have worn through them faster because I had never backed up after using 4x4 up until I had some issues, It would just disengage even while still moving forward. I'm going to try to clean them out again and see If that fixes anything, and If not I'll just swap to manual hubs.

I might be having issues with my transfer case as well, it makes an odd "whub whub whub" noise as I drive, but I'll have to look into that after I get the hubs figured out.
The transfer case still powers the front axle normally, but It still makes the noise after switching out, which makes me think something isn't moving out of gear when I try to shift back to 2wd.