try this forum. copy and paste it into your browser

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post1132597

The front end has a differential in it meaning that the torque will be transferred to the wheel with the least amount of resistance. Basically if the left side is stopped or has more pressure against it, the power will be sent to the right side and turn that drive shaft.

My suspicion is that the vacuum hubs you have are not engaging completely because they are dirty, or the seal is torn. This is a known problem with the Sportage and the Warn manual hubs address it. You still have the differential action that will occur unless you put a traction aid in the front like a LSD (Limited Slip Differential) or locker of some kind.

The rear end of the Sportage works in the exact same way unless you have the LSD in it.

Logansportage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

LOUD THUD??
Yesterday the hubby and I installed the manual hubs on my '98. 4WD hasn't worked since I bought it 4+ years ago. (I didn't know it when I bought it! It was summer. Didn't find out until the first big snow and got stuck in the driveway!) We changed them out with no problems; just took a little time to figure it all out. Found the driver's side clip had the end broke off. (we'll be replacing it today) Drove it in 4L around the yard and up a little hill, no sound. Then we drove it on the wet/slushy road in 4H, had a loud thud every few seconds in first 2 gears. The sound stopped in higher gears. Switched out of 4wd and the sound stopped. We were thinking it may be from not being in 4wd for many years? Or is the broken clip allowing it to slip in and out?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Hello, I recently bought a 1999 Kia Sportage & found out that the 4wd donesn't work. I got stuck in the snow today in my driveway. I'm pretty sure that they were working before. I get the light and all of that but, my rear tires just spin. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> By reading this forum I was just wondering should I go with manual hubs or auto. How do you lock in manual hubs as I have never had a 4wd vehicle until now. Got a good deal on the car & I really do like it. Where I live at the 4wd is the reason I got the car. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> How hard is it to change? I'm not much of a mechanic so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!!!!!!!

Although I am no mechanic, I have read A LOT of posts about hubs here and on other forums. Most Sportage people recommend the manual hubs as they are tough as nails and fairly easy to install. I ordered manual hubs from Clemson 4 Wheel, who handles the Warn hubs. My husband and I put the manual hubs on in about an hour with only minimal tools. The directions come with the hubs but I had trouble figuring out the installation. I was trying to make it harder than it was. (I usually read the directions and he does the work!) I'm sure anyone on this site could explain the procedure to you. The 4wd light will come on when you engage the gear lever but most likely the vacuum seals to the hubs are worn out and will not hold. After installing the manual hubs, you must turn them outside the car at each wheel and then you still need to shift the 4wd gear inside the car.
The website for Clemson is www.clemson4wheel.com. They were the most reasonably priced. I paid $161 total with 2 day air shipping. Hope this helps.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> Thanks for all of this great info you guys ... and girls !!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Back-story and a couple questions ::

My mother has a 1998 Sportage and I'm very interested in getting the Warn 61918 Automatic Locking Hubs.

I didn't see much info about them here, mostly about the manuals. My mother demands auto hubs so the mans are 100% out of the question here. She owned a 4x4 F-150 that had mans but recently she refused to put up with them.

The last time the OEMs went bad, (about 2 years ago), she took it to the dealer, (I didn't know till recent), they charged her like $1500 USD for the new hubs and related vacuum repairs. Everything is once again shot, ugh.

The Questions ::

Are these hubs sold in PAIRS ?
I see online prices range about $210 - $250 but never mention packaging.

Is there any modification(s) I need to do... other than the vacuum line/solenoid ?
If so, can you please link it, thank you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />



Thanks again y'all <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Whichever you decide to go with, they are priced as a pair.
Depending on year, you might have to change spindle bearing nut. Which is supplied. Warn gives you everthing you need to do this. That is one thing to be said about warn. It's all in the box baby. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Here's some on ebay you could get maybe for less. Warn Automatic hubs
You should be able to get them for less than $200 I would hope.
Otherwise, check out Amazon.com for best pricing.
Oh, I think you just block the vacuum lines. Do a search on this forum, you should come up with some good information.
Good Luck,
Everet

dont mess with automatics
they will fail again eventualy
I have changed 2 sets before I settle for manuals=end of story...

But if you put in Warn, they will have a lifetime warranty, unlike the Kia ones. I doubt that his mom will use them as hard as you did!!! I think that auction ends pretty soon too.
Everet