front hubs burned out? please help

[TonyM]

Please excuse my ignorance, but I've never had a a 4x4. The four wheel drive is working up to the hubs, but not turning the front wheels. We had it up on a hoist and tested it. I am wondering if this is an expensive fix, and if parts are hard to find. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[BostonWagoneer]

If they are manual hubs you have to turn them to the "lock" position. Otherwise they are in the "free" position and won't drive the front wheels.

HTH

[TonyM]

I wish it were that easy. I know how to change the hubs to the lock position. On the front right wheel there was a bit of greese splattered around, and the section of the hub, with the free and lock switch is a little bit loose and can't be tightened with an allen key. I'm pretty sure I have to have these things taken apart to see what's going on in there. Just wondering about prices and stuff. I don't want to get ripped off down here in Mexico.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

A good set of Warn replacements run about $60.00 to $70.00. Sounds like someone may have packed them in grease, thats a no no. Remove the hubs and clean them up. If there are no broken parts put it back together. I have seen hubs not engage due to grease and otherwise dirty components for the hub. In the picture below you can see the teeth that are all messed, be sure yours look like that, if teeth ar missing or sections broke out of any of the lock rings then you need new hubs. ;) ;)
http://images.andale.com/f2/116/106/4651773/1042765572903_P1160020.JPG

[TonyM]

Crazy Jeepman,
Thanks a million for the pictures. That really helps. It is a lot less complicated that I imagined, and a lot more affordable. Hopefully that's the problem. Thanks again,
TOny

[Bombadier]

also, in the stock Jeep locking hubs, there is a bearing that can go bad. Ours did and caused all sorts of aggravations.
get some Warn hubs, they're a snap to put in, and have a lifetime warranty. smile.gif