Is there any way to unlock a free wheeling auto hub without removing the entire hub assembly.

My passenger front hub is stuck in the engaged position and I need to know if there is a trick that can be done to disengage it without complete disassembly? Like I said it is an auto free hub.

I suspect its stuck due to corrosion or a broken spring or something but I do not want to disassemble it all in this weather so I am hoping someone knows a trick.

Its is hardly drivable because it is pulling so hard to the right.

I am assuming its the hub because it goes away if I engage the 4x4 but comes back after I put it back in 4x2

Is there any way to disengage it manually?

take off the chrome cap to inspect it, it screws off like anything but it may take some help from a mallet.

You don't say if you are also driving in reverse after disengaging...

The method I already gave you is the only one I know of...

I can put in reverse and drive several hundred foot and it makes no difference. You feel the 4x4 disengage but the front passenger hub is staying engaged.

It causes it to pull hard to the right. You can tell the 4x4 itself is not engaged but the hub is.

It does not rumble or make any noise like it does when the 4x4 is engaged. It does not have any resistance either. However it is stuck in the engaged position.

I have removed the cap and looked inside and according to the manual on the suspension page 2-3 there is a pic of the locked and unlocked position. There is a metal tang looking piece and if its turned toward the back of the truck then it is engaged. If it is straight up and down its disengaged. Mine is turned toward the back showing its engaged from what I can see.

I know manual hubs can be turned to disengage and I wasn't sure if there was a back yard mechanic way to stick something in a auto free hub to manually disengage it or turn it or force it out of being locked.

I might just have to disassemble it but I thought I would ask incase someone had another way beside the way I have been told here where I have to disassemble the whole darn thing.

It makes no sense to make something like an auto free hub that cannot be manually overridden or forced out when in a pinch. However maybe it has to be completely removed.

I guess the best way to put this is this way.... Short of all normal procedures or removing the hub Is there any other way to get a auto free hub that's locked to unlock?

I repeat, the only way is the method I already gave you. Jack it up and turn the axle by hand, holding the wheel. I'm beginning to get the impression that you either don't listen, or trust what I'm telling you...

Id listen to fasteddy. The man knows his stuff <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Fasteddy,

Look sir I do not know your knowledge because I am new here. I have always refused to take just 1 persons opinion on most things and I am sorry if that upsets you. It was not my intention to irritate you or get that kind of a response from you.

Though I value your opinion and appreciate your input I felt it was wise to let others opine on what they have found as well.

You may be the man here but I do not know that because again I am new here.

Your comments make it appear that if a person does not instantly take what your saying as gospel and the only way to do something that they are a dolt.

If you were new here would you take only one or two peoples opinions and not do your due diligence to make sure others have not found something different that works especially if the past advice did not work?

I have done what you said and it did not work. Soooo instead of tearing it apart I thought I would start a thread to see if anyone else had any ideas of how to disengage it. Perhaps there was a way to do so under the dust cap and clip. I wanted to be sure there was not before I tear it apart and need to wait for parts and leave the truck inop.

Gezzz... I am not the kind of guy to use that tone with. Text format is void on inflection and I will assume your being a jerk.

Perhaps you could just have repeated yourself and left it at that and I would have replied that it did not work. I also could have just forgot what you said but you must assume I just did not take your advice? Please do not jump the gun with me. I am a fighter when that stuff happens. I was told you do not get flamed here but was also told to get as many opinions as I can because some people do not really know the answer.

I did find that the proper size oil filter wrench works great for getting that stubborn cap off without damaging it.

Sorry you got insulted - not very sorry, but some...

I'm sure I've given the wrong advice on here before. That's the risk you take. I won't bother adding to your burden in the future and wasting my time.