Locking Hubs: Description

4WD vehicles are equipped with front locking hubs. Hub cover and handle are labeled LOCK and FREE for position designation. When locking hubs are set to LOCK position, front wheels are engaged with and driven by front axle shafts. Setting locking hubs to FREE position disengages front wheels from front axle shafts, permitting front wheels to rotate freely.

Engagement of locking hub wheel to axle shaft is accomplished by a clutch and spring mechanisms within the hub. See Figure. When hub is locked, the hub clutch engages inner hub, which is permanently connected to axle shaft by splines. Hub clutch is permanently connected by outer splines to hub body.