I just went off-roading about a week ago, and everything seemed to be working fine, until about the last 20 minutes. I drove into a gravely river bed and I got stuck. The part that was strange is that I had been doing this all day, and it had been fine. My buddys went to pull me out and one of them observed that my front wheels weren't spinning at all. Stupidly, I ignored this and again went wheeling the other day. I went started up what should have been an easy hill when I heard popping noises and the wheels started spinning. I know for sure now that the 4WD is not working. I can shift into it fine, and it registers on my dash, and 4 lo is also working, so I believe that it is my hubs. When I heard the popping, I was on loose gravel and mud, so I don't think it could be binding. And I also tried moving back and forth slowly so engage the 4WD, but that didn't seem to make any difference. I'm just wondering if any of you have experienced anything similar, and what my first step should be. I was thinking taking the hubs apart and cleaning and replacing the internal clutch might me a good idea, but please let me know what you think. Thanks.

First thing we really need to know in order to give you better advice is whether they are auto hubs or manual hubs.

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

Yep. We need to know this. But from what you have written, I am betting that you have manual hubs. My old red 88 trooper had manual hubs and did the same thing to me on a trail, only it sounded like someone was hitting the front end with a sledge hammer.

I have not read up much on people being able to rebuild the auto hubs, most just go out and buy some aftermarket manual hubs...

If it does have manual hubs I would take them apart and check that Spring they have in there. My SuperWinches ( which I HATE BTW) had a Flimsey spring in there and just about the time I needed them they snap apart and It sound just like you were saying, "like someone was hitting the front end with a sledgehammer." Where they were just Popping when it felt It needed to. I would check that Spring if you have Manual hubs. I have never run the Auto Hubs and hope I never do. So I cant tell you if it is auto's how to fix them or deal with them. My dad had auto's on his 91 Suburban, they were a PITA... And when you take them apart might as well do a bearing pack while your in there. I LOVE AISIN'S, Need another set.......

Sorry guys I forgot to say that they are Auto locking, and it's a manual transmission if that helps any. From what you have said, it sounds like the autos might not be worth the trouble, but let me know if any of you have any experience with this. Thanks.

Most likely, what you are hearing is "normal", given the nature of AUTO hubs.

As you climb a hill, you are able to load/unload the tires. It is this unloading that unlocks the hubs (why you back up to unlock). But, you are still driving, so what happens is when the tires get traction again, and you are accelerating, the hubs slam into the locked position again. Not a good noise and definitely not a good thing if you are trying to rock it out of a spot.

Either live with it until they grenade and then replace with manuals, or just replace them with manuals now.

Good Luck,
Michael

If the front wheels were not turning you may have lost the clip that holds the axle into the hub. Take off the cover on the auto hub and see if there is any damage. Typically if the clip falls off it grinds up the end of the shaft. Oftentimes you won't find a clip in there because its been turned to powder.

Manual hubs are cheap, easy to install, and don't really have a whole lot of problems in my experience.

Jay <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" />

my auto hubs went out on a me a few weeks ago on some easy stuff and it was making the same noise u are describing. I took both hubs out and it ended up being that c clip... just fell right out... I hate my auto locking hubs, I always seem to have a problem with them.. just waiting to find some aisins to replace them with

Thanks for the feedback guys. I did do another little test today though that might shed some light on this. I put it up on jack stands and put it in 4WD, and the front wheels did turn. So I took it down and drove it around a little bit on the street, and when it said it was in 4WD I felt binding around corners (all at very slow speed). Even with that, I will still definatley take them apart and check out that C-clip, but it from what it sounds like, i'll probably end up replacing them with some manuals. Thanks.