Auto-locking hub problems

[Brandon Nootenboom]

So eventually I want to do a manual hub conversion on my 97 Ranger 4x4 4.0L but until then I need my stock auto-lockers to last, the last 3000 miles or so the driver side hub has been randomly clicking and whining and won't stop till I put it in 4x4 then take it back out. I've pulled the hubs apart, other than the small bearing at the end of the hub being partially broken nothing looks out of normal. My wheel bearings are shot but I packed them until I can replace them as well. Any clue what this could be? Also, I know the manual hubs are suppose to be easy to install but I didn't know how much of the original parts in the auto-lockers, if any, are used in the conversion. Any ideas?

 

[gribly]

I keep mine cleaned out and greased, and last year I replaced all the wheel bearings and the spindle bearings - my auto hubs are strong enough for full throttle in low range in an SUV and work like they're supposed to. Seems to me you should try and fix that bearing in the hub, it's probably causing it to rattle off to one side a little or something, and that could definitely make noise.

 

[AllanD]

how about a good used set with the hardware to in stall them for $95 shipped?


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[Brandon Nootenboom]

I'll definitely try replacing that bearing and in the end of the hub and cleaning out the old grease and putting new axle grease in when I do the wheel bearings. Hopefully that'll help, as long as the auto-lockers keep working I'm gonna keep them, I just figured the whining and grinding noise it makes means that sides bad. Unfortunately I got a long list of things that need replacing first so it'll just have to make it for now.