Why manual locking hubs

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It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. Thread starter jesse Start date Sep 4, I'm posting this inquiry with the group here because I feel there is a wealth of 4x4 knowledge and experience. It was a reminder stating: Vehicles equipped with manual locking hubs must be in the "free" or "unlocked" position when not needed for 4x4 operation.

Failure to disengage the hubs, especially during highway speeds, can result in component failure and the ability to control the vehicle safely. As the occupant of a 30k vehicle during a front driveshaft failure at 65 MPH, I know first hand that its not fun and can be quite dangerous. Is this information accurate? As the state engine committee representative I was asked to disseminate this information and want to ensure its accuracy before doing so.

It was previously explained to me that there is no real detriment to the vehicle in leaving them locked even at highway speeds. I have done so many times when 4x4 use will be frequent to save from having to get in and out of the vehicle to lock and unlock hubs.

I also understand that most newer vehicles with "on the fly" 4x4 Jeeps utilize a form of auto locking or full time locked hubs therefore the front drivetrain components are constantly in motion. Anyone with information on this please chime in and give me you :twocents:. The process to this is complex, yet simple in explanation. When the shift lever is moved into position, the changing gear creates an inertia that "locks in" the hubs.

When you "lock in" your hubs, you are connecting the two half axles to a drive plate that locks them together, making them turn as one unit. They will spin freely together, ready for you to engage the 4x4 which will send drive power to them via a differential from the transfer case. Modern vehicles have automatic locking hubs that require little to no manual operation from the user.

However, some of these newer vehicles still allow for manual operation as a backup in case the automatic locking hubs fail. Older 4WD vehicles had manual locking hubs and were referred to as "part-time" 4x4 because the half axles moved freely of each other like a 2WD car. On these models you had to exit your vehicle to turn a dial on the hub of each front wheel from "free" to "lock" and then get back in and set your transmission into the "neutral" position before engaging 4x4.

It is not uncommon to "lock in" the hubs during winter snowfall and drive around until you need to put the vehicle into 4x4 mode. Some models were made as "full-time" 4x4. Lock them as needed for 4WD operation doesn't matter whether you lock them before you shift into 4WD or right after and unlock them when going back to 2WD again, doesn't matter whether you unlock them before shifting out of 4WD or right after.

Leaving them locked while in 2WD will have no negative effects. I would recommend you leave your hubs locked while in 2WD during bad weather seasons. This will allow you to shift in and out of 4WD whenever the need arises. Good news is that you will not need to stop for shifting into 4WD - with the locking hubs engaged the drive lines are synchronized.

Leaving your hubs locked will cause no damage to your vehicle and will not influence it's handling. However, driving with part time 4WD engaged if you have hubs - you have part time 4WD on dry sections of pavement you will not only create unsafe driving due to understeer - you may also cause expensive repairs due to "drive line bind".

By the way, locking hubs do not create more traction. They are not to be confused with differential locks! I n 2WD with locking hubs disengaged rear drive shaft, rear differential and rear axle are rotating.

Front tires are rolling along - only rear tires are pulling.