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I could really use some help!
I drive a 2001 Sportage and started having 4WD issues back in December, it wasn't engaging or disengaging properly. I read a number of posts on this site regarding the vacuum hubs, checked my lines... sure enough they were cracked. I replaced the vacuum lines and continued to have problems.
I took the next step and bought the Warn manual locking hubs. Changed them myself in no time at all. Thought I had the problem solved, 4WD worked excellent, had it in and out of 4WD nearly a dozen times in the first couple of weeks. I haven't used the 4WD in about 3 weeks now, we got a dump of snow today... No 4WD. I locked the hubs in, engaged the shifter, the dash light came on, but it obviously was not engaged.
Hi,
You can try this:
Engage both hubs, put the transfer case in 2H, raise one front wheel, turn that wheel by hand and look if the front drive shaft is turning, if it turn the problem is in the transfer case. If not check the front axles . On my Sportage i put manual hub last year and work great, until now. (finger cross)
Let me know if am wrong.
I was trying to troubleshoot it earlier this week and may have narrowed it down to the front left hub.
With the shifter in 2WD, I crawled under and was able to turn the front drive shaft by hand, shifted it to 4WD and it wouldn't turn... if I'm right that means the transfer case is fine.
With the shifter in 2WD, I jacked the right front wheel, locked the hub, turned the wheel and the axle turns, unlock the hub and the axle stops turning. Jacked the left front wheel, locked the hub, turned the wheel and the axle didn't turn.
The dial turns fine between the lock and free positions; I can't hear any sounds from the hub when I turn the wheel. Is it possible the hub is bad? I've only had them for 6 weeks.
Take the hub apart inspect it, if there are signs of damage get hold of WARN it should be under warrenty. If no visible signs, reinstall the hub and pack it with bearing grease. While you have the hub off check for danage on the axel shaft the old hubs could have done some damage.
I took the hub off today, looks like I screwed up.
The grease has turned brown; I would guess it’s caused from moisture in the hub. Good news is I think it can be repacked with grease and should work, no visible damage.
When the vacuum lines were cracked it must have allowed water in, I should have repacked the wheel bearings at the same time to make sure it was all clean.
Last question, Can I repack the wheel bearings myself? Do I need any special tools or pullers to get the wheel bearing hub off?
No special tool is required, you shouldn't have to remove the bearings, just clean them up and re-pack them, I use brake cleaner it blows all the old crap out and removes any water, it evaporates quickly too. The greese is green when new, brown is a good sign they have been holding water for a while.
It is a good idea to remove the hubs, clean and re-pack them at least once a year, in spring is best, get all the winter road salt and crap out of there. I clean and re-pack my front hubs whenever they get submerged in water or after a decent spell of 4Wheeling, so about 2 or 3 times a month! It only takes15 to 20 minutes.
Well, my 4WD is working again. Thanks for the pointers, the break cleaner worked great.
I cleaned and repacked the wheel bearings, dismantled the manual hub, cleaned and repacked with new grease. It took some work to get the hub working smooth, it was really gummed up.
I think I will go ahead and do the other side now.
No special tool is required, you shouldn't have to remove the bearings, just clean them up and re-pack them, I use brake cleaner it blows all the old crap out and removes any water, it evaporates quickly too. The greese is green when new, brown is a good sign they have been holding water for a while.
It is a good idea to remove the hubs, clean and re-pack them at least once a year, in spring is best, get all the winter road salt and crap out of there. I clean and re-pack my front hubs whenever they get submerged in water or after a decent spell of 4Wheeling, so about 2 or 3 times a month! It only takes15 to 20 minutes.
Could you give more details on how to repack the front hubs and bearings? Would it be possible to include a picture? Thanks Paul
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4WD won't engage
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