Locking Hubs: Description

Locking hubs engage and disengage front wheels from axle shafts on 4WD vehicles. When hubs are engaged or locked, wheels and axle shafts rotate together. When hubs are disengaged or unlocked, front wheels free wheel on hub bearings and axle shafts are not turned by wheels.

Engagement is accomplished through action of gears and spring within hub. When hug is locked, hub clutch engages inner hub, which is always connected to axle shaft by inner splines of hub. Hub clutch is always connected by outer splines to hub body. Control handle applied or releases spring tension to control hub clutch position.

Automatic hubs are engaged by rotational force of axle shaft when 4WD is selected at transfer case. Automatic hubs disengage when 2WD is selected and vehicle is driven in reverse. Cams, brakes and springs are used to lock or unlock automatic hubs.