Section 1 (Locking Hubs): Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1988 Toyota Pickup, 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser, 1988 Toyota Cab & Chassis, and 1988 Toyota 4Runner. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 springs within hub. When hub 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 applies 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.