saljosie

my daughter drove my truck, a 1994 f150 in 4x4 MODE. she did not lock the hub. my question is, will it damage the axle bearing or anything? i could not turn right hub in locking position no matter what i do. any help or suggestion that might help me to pinpoint where is the problem. thank you.

farmer12

It the hubs unlocked it wont hurt anything...sometimes it's good for it actually, just to circulate the oil in the tcase an axle. As far as yer hub it sounds like somethins jimed up in there, might have to take it apart. Just pop the hub cap off and have a look in there.

saljosie

thanks for your quick reply farmer12

Twisty

Your truck should be driven in 4 wheel drive at least once a month to circulate the oil in the transfer case and front dif.
If the grease in a hub gets contaminated or dry from age it may not work properly.
My Dad and I used to rebuild hubs at least once a year.
Make sure everything works b4 you need it.

Cowboywrench

I will run my trucks in 4x mode two ways, regularly. Sometimes I will lock the hubs but not the transfer case, sometimes I will switch the transfer case but not lock the hubs. Usually for about 20 miles or so. It kills the fuel milage, but I think it helps the systems to be activated. So long as you aren't locking the hubs AND the transfer case into 4x, I don't think any harm is taking place. The truck isn't actually IN 4x4 unless both parts are engaged. Steering and fuel come into play, but there shouldn't be any harm. As for your hub not engaging, like was mentioned before, look into them. Better to fix a problem before you need them then when you need them.

saljosie

thanks guys for all your reponses

mrslyfox

Seems odd that the manual hub would be stuck locked in.. unless its been that way a long time it should go back into free without too much trouble. Might try locking the other one in and putting it in 4x4, run it forward and backward a few times in and out of 4x4, stopping and trying to turn it. Sounds like you better take it apart, should just be...hmm...5 torx screws I think... I think thats what mine is if I remember correctly.. May need to put a thin coating of grease in there, or check to see if something is broke. Simple fix and new locking hubs are cheap. Dont think you damaged anything major at all. No worries.

lostin90s

I do it once month . During winter I have had 4x4 in for months straight on open road . Worse Mpg is all. Yes there is wear but no much

mrslyfox

On some trucks the front end is always locked in... Early 90's Dodges for example. You didn't have a choice. If weather is nasty I may leave em locked in for a few days till I KNOW I won't need 4x4