Question about worn out auto locking hubs

[Peak83]

I acquired my late grandfather’s 1993 4x4 Ranger with auto locking hubs. I’ve been repairing a few minor problems, driving it back and forth to work, and after determining that the hubs are noisy and worn out, I’ve made the decision to get them fixed. Now, this truck has not had the 4x4 engaged in at least 15+ years, and I don’t plan on ever engaging it. I simply have no need in using the 4x4 on this pick up, and I know after all of these years, it probably wouldn’t work anyway. Now, this will become painfully clear that I am clueless when it comes to replacing hubs and bearings, but does replacing the wheel hub involve replacing the auto locking hubs on this truck, or are we talking about two separate parts? Second, if I have to replace the auto locking hubs, is the least expensive fix involve the so called conversion and installation of manual locking hubs? Again, I will never use the 4x4 in this truck, my primary truck is 4x4, and I’m simply keeping this truck for sentimental reasons and to commute back and forth to work. Does the fact that I will never use the 4x4 factor in to the angle of repair as well? Any help and advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Shran]

Fix it right, chances are you will want to use 4 wheel drive at some point and be mad at yourself for disabling it. Or the next owner will be, or someone you loan it to... you get the idea.

Those auto hubs shouldn't be making any noise with the truck in 2wd mode. Are you sure the noise isn't coming from something else? Like really, really, really sure?

My first suggestion would be to disassemble them, clean all the grease out, and lightly lubricate them with ATF. Wipe the excess grease off the wheel bearing nut/axle shaft/spindle area and reassemble. Too much grease is the #1 reason these things quit working... grease migrates outwards from the wheel bearings and they get stuck.

Second suggestion, find a set of manual hubs from a junkyard. You will need the wheel bearing nuts and washers as well to convert yours. You will also need two sizes of spindle sockets, one to take your auto hubs apart and one to disassemble the donor at the junkyard and reassemble on your truck. Very easy, very dependable, cheap conversion process.

Third suggestion if you are dead set on not fixing it the right way would be to take the guts out of your auto hubs and just put the hub body back on. They will cover up the spindle area but your 4 wheel drive will never work.

 

[Peak83]

Fix it right, chances are you will want to use 4 wheel drive at some point and be mad at yourself for disabling it. Or the next owner will be, or someone you loan it to... you get the idea.

Those auto hubs shouldn't be making any noise with the truck in 2wd mode. Are you sure the noise isn't coming from something else? Like really, really, really sure?

My first suggestion would be to disassemble them, clean all the grease out, and lightly lubricate them with ATF. Wipe the excess grease off the wheel bearing nut/axle shaft/spindle area and reassemble. Too much grease is the #1 reason these things quit working... grease migrates outwards from the wheel bearings and they get stuck.

Second suggestion, find a set of manual hubs from a junkyard. You will need the wheel bearing nuts and washers as well to convert yours. You will also need two sizes of spindle sockets, one to take your auto hubs apart and one to disassemble the donor at the junkyard and reassemble on your truck. Very easy, very dependable, cheap conversion process.

Third suggestion if you are dead set on not fixing it the right way would be to take the guts out of your auto hubs and just put the hub body back on. They will cover up the spindle area but your 4 wheel drive will never work.

thanks for the quick reply. Both wheels sound terrible when the wheel is spun by hand, and both wheels have a lot of play in them. It could be the brakes, but as loose as they are, I’m betting the bearings are shot. Do the hubs need to be replaced if the wheel bearings are bad?

 

[Curious Hound]

Do the hubs need to be replaced if the wheel bearings are bad?

Only if something has wobbled around enough to cause damage to the hub. It would take some extreme bearing damage to do that.

 

[Shran]

thanks for the quick reply. Both wheels sound terrible when the wheel is spun by hand, and both wheels have a lot of play in them. It could be the brakes, but as loose as they are, I’m betting the bearings are shot. Do the hubs need to be replaced if the wheel bearings are bad?

Wheel bearings most likely. Very common on our trucks. Bad upper ball joints are common too. I've never had to replace a hub because of trashed wheel bearings... spindles on the other hand!

 

[dvdswan]

Agree with everyone on the bearings and keeping the 4wd system working.

 

[killswitch21]

I would just replace them with the Warn Manual Locking HUBs if you're sure its the hubs. (Mine was clicking when engaged and when I took it apart I found the plastic cam inside of it was broken.)
But I agree that it sounds more like a wheel bearing issue. I would recommended fixing them Asap. Mine started whining when I was across town, within 20 miles my wheel fell off. Lesson learned, Ill never drive the truck again if its making noise from the wheel bearing. I got real lucky I wasn't on the highway when it happened.