f350 ford auto locking hubs

I have a 1999 f350 with auto locking hubs. Recently I put it in 4 wh
drive.Since I've taken it out of 4wh , at least one wheel is still
locked. I've tried shifting in and out but it is still locked. I know
they work via a vacuum solenoid. Is there some way to narrow down the
problem and fix it myself.

Did you try to reverse a few meters (yards) after disengaging as usually
this will release any tension and free the dog clutches.

Regards
Stephen


"dan" > wrote in message
m...
> I have a 1999 f350 with auto locking hubs. Recently I put it in 4 wh
> drive.Since I've taken it out of 4wh , at least one wheel is still
> locked. I've tried shifting in and out but it is still locked. I know
> they work via a vacuum solenoid. Is there some way to narrow down the
> problem and fix it myself.

The vacuum pulls the hub lock in:

Try engaging the 4WD and disengaging it while backing up. If it releases
after a try or two, you'll need to disassemble the hub, repack the bearings
and clean inspect the hubs for worn seals, dirt and bearing material.
Replace any worn parts and they will work as good as new.

Refinish King


"dan" > wrote in message
m...
>I have a 1999 f350 with auto locking hubs. Recently I put it in 4 wh
> drive.Since I've taken it out of 4wh , at least one wheel is still
> locked. I've tried shifting in and out but it is still locked. I know
> they work via a vacuum solenoid. Is there some way to narrow down the
> problem and fix it myself.

I've tried the normal unlock then backup , also tried unlocking while
backing up. Still no differance. Is there a standard method for
troubleshooting the rrelay that unlocks the hubs. This happened before
, I took it to ford and it cost me over 1000.00 so if I can fix it
myself I'd much rather. I know I'm capable of doing the work once I
figure out what the work is.

On 30 Nov 2004 17:28:28 -0800, (dan) wrote:

>I've tried the normal unlock then backup , also tried unlocking while
>backing up. Still no differance. Is there a standard method for
>troubleshooting the rrelay that unlocks the hubs. This happened before
>, I took it to ford and it cost me over 1000.00 so if I can fix it
>myself I'd much rather. I know I'm capable of doing the work once I
>figure out what the work is.

I missed the beginning of this thread, so sorry if this has already
been hashed.......

What year truck is this? If it is the 99 and up Super Duty,the
problem is vacuum related. Probably the seal(s) in the hub as this
seems to be a common problem.

I've got the same problem with mine, (sometimes it works, sometimes it
doesn't), but I haven't attempted to fix yet. I'm probably going to
do away with the vacuum assist on mine when I do get around to it and
go with plain old manual hubs. (Warn has a kit I understand.)

Matt
99 V-10 Super Duty, Super Cab 4x4

Vacuum applies the hub:

So disengagement problems are strictly associated with either: Vacuum not
releasing, or sludge in the housing. I've had several apart, and I've seen
several damaged by moisture and water infiltration, and just plain old
shrapnel accumulation.

Disconnecting the vacuum lines when they hubs don't release is the best test
method I've found. Which isolates the vacuum system.

I hope this helps?

Refinish King


"dan" > wrote in message
om...
> I've tried the normal unlock then backup , also tried unlocking while
> backing up. Still no differance. Is there a standard method for
> troubleshooting the rrelay that unlocks the hubs. This happened before
> , I took it to ford and it cost me over 1000.00 so if I can fix it
> myself I'd much rather. I know I'm capable of doing the work once I
> figure out what the work is.

I don't know S#^T about vacuum hubs, but if only one is engaged then I
don't see the problem. If your t-case has disengaged, then there's no
power to that wheel, so forget about it. Heck even if one front wheel
is turning, so what, you can't damage anything unless both are turning.
-PapaRick

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Refinish_King1 wrote:

> Vacuum applies the hub:
>
> So disengagement problems are strictly associated with either: Vacuum not
> releasing, or sludge in the housing. I've had several apart, and I've seen
> several damaged by moisture and water infiltration, and just plain old
> shrapnel accumulation.
>
> Disconnecting the vacuum lines when they hubs don't release is the best test
> method I've found. Which isolates the vacuum system.
>
> I hope this helps?
>
> Refinish King
>
>
> "dan" > wrote in message
> om...
>
>>I've tried the normal unlock then backup , also tried unlocking while
>>backing up. Still no differance. Is there a standard method for
>>troubleshooting the rrelay that unlocks the hubs. This happened before
>>, I took it to ford and it cost me over 1000.00 so if I can fix it
>>myself I'd much rather. I know I'm capable of doing the work once I
>>figure out what the work is.
>
>
>

dump the auto lock hubs, and put on a set of warn manual hubs, and your
troubles will be over
"Rick Colombo" > wrote in message
...
> I don't know S#^T about vacuum hubs, but if only one is engaged then I
> don't see the problem. If your t-case has disengaged, then there's no
> power to that wheel, so forget about it. Heck even if one front wheel
> is turning, so what, you can't damage anything unless both are turning.
> -PapaRick
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> Refinish_King1 wrote:
>
> > Vacuum applies the hub:
> >
> > So disengagement problems are strictly associated with either: Vacuum
not
> > releasing, or sludge in the housing. I've had several apart, and I've
seen
> > several damaged by moisture and water infiltration, and just plain old
> > shrapnel accumulation.
> >
> > Disconnecting the vacuum lines when they hubs don't release is the best
test
> > method I've found. Which isolates the vacuum system.
> >
> > I hope this helps?
> >
> > Refinish King
> >
> >
> > "dan" > wrote in message
> > om...
> >
> >>I've tried the normal unlock then backup , also tried unlocking while
> >>backing up. Still no differance. Is there a standard method for
> >>troubleshooting the rrelay that unlocks the hubs. This happened before
> >>, I took it to ford and it cost me over 1000.00 so if I can fix it
> >>myself I'd much rather. I know I'm capable of doing the work once I
> >>figure out what the work is.
> >
> >
> >
>