Description & Operation

Manual locking hubs engage and disengage front wheels from axle shafts on 4WD vehicles. These hubs are standard on Samurai. When hubs are engaged in LOCK position, wheels and axle shafts rotate together. When hubs are disengaged or unlocked in FREE position, front wheels free-wheel on hub bearings.

Engagement is accomplished through action of a gear clutch and spring 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 knob applies or releases spring tension to control hub clutch position.

Automatic locking hubs are optional on Samurai. 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. Automatic locking function will take place within 6.6 ft. (2 meters) of vehicle travel.

Manual hubs have control knob marked with LOCK and FREE rotation direction. Outer edge of hub cover on manual hubs is marked with LOCK and FREE positions. Automatic hubs do not have an engagement knob on hub cover.

CAUTION: When operating vehicle with manual locking hubs, both hubs must be set in the same position. Never operate vehicle with one hub in FREE and the other in LOCK position.