What does locking the front hubs do?
What does locking the front hubs do?
Locking hubs, also known as free wheeling hubs are fitted to some (mainly older) four-wheel drive vehicles, allowing the front wheels to rotate freely when disconnected (unlocked) from the front axle. Unlocking the hubs disconnects the wheels from the axle, which eliminates this extra load.
Is there a problem with the front axle engagement switch?
One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the front axle engagement switch is difficulty engaging the vehicle’s four-wheel drive system.
What to do if front axle does not engage in 4×4?
Easiest way if no rack or equipment. Unbolt front driveshaft and put in 4×4 and leave in park. Try to turn front yolk on front diff. If solid the front diff is locked and working. Bolt back in driveshaft and if you jack up truck on 4 jackstands and run in 4×4 if front driveshaft spins t-case is engaged and motor is working correctly.
Why are front axles locked in 2WD mode?
Idea was to keep parts that were not needed in 2WD mode from rotating in order to reduce mechanical drag and thus save gas. Good idea but the savings are extremely minimal. A proposed additional benefit of locking hubs is less wear and tear of front axle parts.
What happens in 2WD with locking hubs engaged?
In 2WD with locking hubs engaged front drive shaft, front diff and front axle, rear drive shaft, rear diff and rear axle are rotating. Front tires are rolling along (since connected to the axle, they make the front drive line parts rotate) – only rear tires are pulling.
When is it safe to lock in the axles?
Locking the axles disables this compensator, which will cause damage to one or both of your axles. And never lock in your axles when one wheel is free-spinning. In fact, it’s safest to lock in your axles when the truck is stopped.
Easiest way if no rack or equipment. Unbolt front driveshaft and put in 4×4 and leave in park. Try to turn front yolk on front diff. If solid the front diff is locked and working. Bolt back in driveshaft and if you jack up truck on 4 jackstands and run in 4×4 if front driveshaft spins t-case is engaged and motor is working correctly.
When do locking axles engage in deep snow?
In regards to the locking axles they engage themselves while the truck is in motion in deep snow or mud soon after I switch on the knob. During this time of winter we normally have plenty of both snow and mud on several parts of our home’s rural acreage.
Do you need a differential lock on an axle?
Later axle models may also include wheel differential locks so that each wheel will turn, regardless of traction conditions. A not of caution: driving on a surface with good traction (like a road) with the differential lock engaged is a sure-fire way to dust one or both of your differentials.
