Ranger 4WD V6-3.0L VIN U (1997)
Wheel Hub (Locking): Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Automatic Locking Hubs
Raise vehicle on hoist with engine off. Turn front driveshaft by hand to engage front hubs. Front wheels should turn if hubs lock properly. Spin front
wheels by hand in opposite direction to disengage hubs (an audible "click" should be heard). Turn front driveshaft by hand in opposite direction and
wheels should turn in opposite direction also if the hubs are locking properly. Disengage hubs by spinning front wheels by hand opposite of the direction
they spun while turning the driveshaft.
When checking front hubs for proper operation, road test the vehicle to ensure that the hubs will remain engaged while under load. This can be
accomplished by engaging four-wheel drive and taking the vehicle through several turns (both forward and backward) on dry pavement.
Driving through several turns while traveling in different directions will ensure that both sides of the hub teeth have been tested under load. Hubs that are
not sufficiently engaged will "pop" out when loaded. This is due to the driveline releasing windup and is an indication of hub malfunction.
if slippage is suspected, mark the tire and axle with chalk (after locking the hub) and apply a heavy torque load several times. Then inspect your original
indexing marks. If they are no longer aligned, the hubs are not remaining locked when under load. They will have to be replaced.
Should automatic hublocks become submerged in water or mud for a long period of time water may get past the seals and into the hubs and axle. In this
case, all water must be expelled from the system. For automatic hublocks, the axle must be drained by siphoning out old lubricant through the drain hole
in the axle arm which also serves as the carrier cover. Use new 4x4 Gear Oil F1TZ-19580-A meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C191-A to refill the
axle (F1TZ-19580-A has no equivalent). Replace the hubs.
Manual Locking Hubs
Manual locking hubs are simple to diagnose. Place the transfer case in two-wheel drive and raise the front wheels off the ground. When in the unlocked
position, the wheels should be able to turn freely. Then lock each of the front hubs and rotate the front wheels. The additional load of the drivetrain
components should be felt once the hub has been engaged. In addition, the front axle and front driveshaft should be moving along with the wheel.
Disengage the hubs and repeat the procedure to check that the hubs have smoothly disengaged.
Should hublocks become submerged in water or mud for a long period of time water may get past the seals and into the hubs and axle. In this case, all
water must be expelled from the system.
