When it comes to trucks and pickups, Ford is one of the most trusted automobile brands around. This manufacturer has given the world some stellar vehicles over the years. The F-150, Ranger, and Maverick are just a few famous examples. However, Ford trucks aren’t problem-free. Many owners encounter issues now and then, including problems with their automatic locking hubs.
This guide will explore Ford automatic locking hub problems and how to fix them.
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What Are Ford’s Automatic Locking Hubs?
First, an introduction. If you’re a first-time Ford truck owner or not too well-versed in the mechanics of these vehicles, you might be wondering what automatic locking hubs actually are.
Simply put, locking hubs are components connected to four-wheel drive vehicles. Their main purpose is to let the front wheels disconnect from the axle and rotate freely, helping to reduce wear and turn and promote maneuverability in 4WD mode.
There are two different types of locking hubs – automatic and manual. As the name implies, automatic locking hubs are designed to automatically engage or disengage the front wheels to the front axle, without the need for any manual input from the driver.
The advantage of auto locking hubs is clear. They’re one less thing for drivers to think about. Instead of having to physically adjust the hubs to engage or disengage the wheels, the car does it for you. However, this also presents some problems when the system doesn’t quite work as intended.
Problems with Ford’s Automatic Locking Hubs
In theory, Ford’s auto locking hubs are a great addition to modern trucks and pickups. In practice though, many drivers have encountered issues with these locking hubs. Some of the most commonly-reported issues are listed below.
Spontaneous Locking
Ideally, the automatic locking hubs should only activate when needed. But that’s not always the case. Some drivers have found that the hubs seem to sometimes lock at random, forcing them out of 4WD mode, even when they still need it. This can be a scary and frustrating issue for drivers, and it can make the truck unreliable and awkward to control.
Random Unlocking
Just like how the auto hubs randomly lock sometimes, drivers also report that they randomly unlock at unexpected moments. Again, this can cause control issues for the driver, who has to react and adapt to the changing levels of control caused by the hubs’ random actions.
Won’t Work When Desired
Other drivers have also found that their automatic locking hubs don’t work in moments when they should. For example, when activating the electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) switch, the automatic locks don’t work. Once again, this causes headaches for drivers. It prevents them from getting maximum use and value from their vehicles.
How to Fix Automatic Locking Hubs Problems in Fords
Clearly, there are several issues that might arise with your Ford’s auto locking hubs. They’re all frustrating to deal with, and there are several possible root causes behind them. It could be something to do with the plastic cams around the hubs, the vacuum system that helps the hubs lock and unlock, or something else. Whatever the cause, here are some possible solutions to try.
A Visual Inspection
First, it’s best to take a look at your locking hubs and check for any damage. You can see the locking hubs quite clearly in the center of each wheel. With your car safely parked, take a look at the hubs and check for cracks, rust, corrosion, or any other issues.
For a more thorough inspection, you could also remove the hubs and take a look at their inner components. The process to remove the hubs varies from model to model, so it’s best to check your Ford’s owner’s manual for more info.
Cleaning
Dirt, grime, or grease is sometimes to blame when automatic locking hubs fail to work as intended. Indeed, this is one of the most common explanations when the hubs seem to slip in and out randomly or if they fail to work when you expect them to.
To fix this issue, give them a clean. Inspect the hubs and remove them according to the instructions in your owner’s manual. Wipe away any grease or dirt, then refit the hubs and start up your vehicle to see if they’re working again.
Try Manually Locking Each Hub
Another handy troubleshooting tip to try is to manually lock each hub, one by one. You might find that most of the hubs lock just fine, but one of them is stuck or acting up. Then, you’ll know exactly which hub needs cleaning, fixing, or possibly replacing.
Check the Vacuum Lines
A special vacuum system helps to power the automatic locking hubs. If something is wrong with the vacuum lines or components, the hubs may fail to work. A good way to check is to follow the vacuum lines from the hubs and inspect them closely, looking for any little cracks, kinks, or other damage.
You can also invest in a scan tool to check the vacuum levels of your vehicle when 4WD is engaged. That will let you know if a leak is present or not. If you do have a vacuum leak, you’ll most likely need to take your car to a repair shop or dealership and have it fixed, as it can be quite a complex job.
Consult the Pros
DIY fixes might help you diagnose a problem with your Ford’s automatic locking hubs. But, more often than not, you’ll need professional help to fix the issue. If you need the problem fixing urgently or don’t have the time or expertise needed to handle it yourself, head to the pros.
Local mechanics or Ford technicians will be able to use special tools to see exactly why your auto locking hubs are faulty. They’ll then take the necessary steps to fix the problem, which may involve hub replacements.
Fix Your Ford Today
Automatic locking hub issues aren’t the worst problems that Ford drivers may encounter, but they’re still annoying and possibly dangerous. If you spot the warning signs, like your 4WD not working when it should or hubs randomly engaging and disengaging, don’t delay. Give these DIY fixes a try or have your car looked at by a local pro.