1996 f150 4x4 one of the automatic locking hubs is not locking in.there is no damage inside lock out that can be seen.what can be keeping hub from locking in?
There is a possibility the axel U-joint is binding, this will put side load on the hubs and keep them from working properly. Turn the steering wheel either far right or left and with front of truck off the ground or the front end disengaged, see if the axel shafts turn free, both sides. If there is binding the U-joint(s) will have to be replaced.
If your 4X4 is making a grating or clicking noise from beneath the front wheels, the hubs need to be checked to make sure they are locking properly. To test this on a car with automatic hubs, rotate the front axle shafts under the truck. If, after a few turns, the axle locks up and can no longer be turned, the automatic hub is working properly. If, however, the axle does not lock up and you are able to continue rotating it, the hub is either bad or in need of a good cleaning.
To test a car with manual hubs, make sure the 4X4 is off and rotate the axle until it locks up. Again, if the axle does not lock up, the hub is not working or in need of a cleaning.
To determine if the automatic hub is no longer working, take the car out of 4X4 mode and rotate the axle shaft. If the axle does not lock up after a number of revolutions, the hub is most likely not working at all. Repeat this with the other axle shaft. On a car with manual hubs, disengage 4X4, lock in the hubs, and attempt to rotate the axle shafts. If they can be rotated at all, the hub is not working. Repeat this with the other axle shaft.
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