Auto hub maintanence

[sharkster]

Hey guys,

I have an 86 B2 2.9, A4LD with auto hubs. I know that I should convert to manual hubs, but the money isnt available.

My question is this, what is the best procedure for maintanence on the hubs to make sure (hopefully) that they will work when I need them? I know the history of the auto hubs and it isnt pretty. Luckily, I wont be driving any great distances with it, but it sure would be a great peace of mind knowing that I did all I could to make sure they work.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks...

 

[racsan]

im not certain, clean and lightly grease them would be my guess, mine didnt always lock in so i just bought manual hubs, now i can have the use of low range (for boat ramps, backing up a trailer, ect) without actually being in 4wd, before i had to reverse direction to unlock the autos, one time one of them didnt unlock, dads full-size bronco auto hubs quit on him and i got him a set last year for christmass.
________
herbal vaporizer

 

[4x4junkie]

I think it's more how you treat them, not so much 'maintaining' them.

When you're in 4x4, just don't hit the gas hard when you change directions forward-reverse (they sometimes will unlock for a moment, then re-lock. If things are spinning too fast, it can lock back in with a 'bang', possibly leading to a damaged or broken hub).

The other thing is make sure the hub goes back on properly if you ever remove them for brake/wheelbearing service. Damage to the plastic cam assy could result otherwise.


BTW, manual hubs for your '86 are pretty easy to find in junkyards, couldn't cost that much to swap 'em over.

 

[AllanD]

You might be very suprised what someone would be willing to sell you a
set of used d28 manual hubs for.



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[sharkster]

Is that an offer for hubs AllanD?