Auto-Locking hub care

[billmcg]

Ok, so i'm working on getting my 4wd working on this 89' bronc. I've purchased a couple of parts to help get it in shape, but while i'm waiting on getting them i'm going to take apart my hubs and clean/inspect/**** them. Is there a seal kit? or reseal kit of some sort? I can't find any online, just replacement parts. Also what is the best to clean them with? Automatic Trans fluid is good for cleaning some parts and is what I usually use. What type of grease should I use when putting them back together?

 

[AdamDude04]

To be honest.. I'd ditch them

I had them on mine, and nothing but problems after awhile. Mine were clean, and lubed up nice (after two inspections).

Seriously, You may get a few uses out of them..then develop problems. Last thing you want, is to go into 4wd, while offroading, then turn off 4wd, and they won't unlock. Do you drive home 50 miles with the truck still in 4wd..or try to fix the problem on the trail?

My bronco is in excelent condition, and everything works perfect. But the 4wd worked only half the time (worked amazing when it did work tho!!)

 

[50joe]

I took mine out too. Those things are more trouble then they are worth. Oh, and they dont work in reverse either.

 

[Krafty]

Those things are more trouble then they are worth

Use Var-Sol (low-odor mineral spirits or kerosene) to wash them, and apply a THIN FILM of disk brake wheel bearing grease to all their moving parts. DO NOT pack them with grease or they won't be able to operate. For more info (pics, diagrams, PNs, procedures), click my black Bronco in my sig & read the captions in the Brakes & Hubs album.

I repeat "more trouble then they are worth"

sure properly maintained ones From new will operate perfectly fine.

but after 20 years of neglect from other owners "Those things are more trouble then they are worth"

 

[AdamDude04]

My mom had mine from 89 to 2007. nothing but the best replacement parts. mechanic (great work) did everything. Still gave problems time to time.

like i said.. rather use a more reliable tool than a "what if" one. when u use 4x4, its somewhere like flood waters/mud/snow - places u dont want to have to fix something..

 

[50joe]

Thats how i see it too. I would rather get out to lock them, then sit in the truck and hope for the best. We have replaced the auto's on my boss's wifes Bronco a few times. That thing doesn't get beat, NEVER saw dirt, and they still go bad. JUNK. (She's just too lazy to lock them manually)

 

[Seabronc]

Auto hubs are OK and save you from getting out to engage them, if they are properly maintained as Steve said. However, if you are already stuck they will not engage because they need the resistive force of a hard surface to cause the engaging mechanism to work. That is why they tell you that you have to move 10 feet to engage or disengage them.

I personally prefer manual hubs as they can be engaged even if you are stuck and they are engaged immediately without the dependence on any other force. The inconvenience is that you have to exit the vehicle to do it. Converting to manual is more popular than converting to auto hubs which is why you find it so commonly in catalogs.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Broncoholic]

I think I have enough experience to say, DITCH the auto hubs, as others have said, when offroading they are not reliable.

 

[AZ91]

Once cleaned you'll want to use a white lithium grease on the brake band. Do not apply grease or any other lubricant to the drag sleave. All other parts can be lubricated with tranny fluid allowing them to dry for a few minutes after application. If you completely dissasemble the hub - be sure to line up the tangs from the drag sleeve with the 2 openings on the hub sleeve.

Thought I would atleast answer the question in case someone actually needed one someday.