1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

How To Test 'auto-lock' Hubs?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by SoCalNickG, Feb 12, 2021.

  1. Feb 12, 2021
    SoCalNickG

    SoCalNickG Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Whittier, CA.
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2017
    Messages:
    350
    My CJ5 has "Auto-Lock” hubs, made by "Free-Lock" on the front axle. I have read about the Warn “Auto-Lock” hubs and wonder if my hubs are similar in the way they work. The hubs work in the “Lock” position. I would like to find out if they have the self-engaging feature of the Warn “Auto-Lock’ When they are in the 'Free' position.
    How can I test the hubs to chek for the self-engaging feature in the “Free” position?
    I can post pics when I get home.
     
    SoCalNickG, Feb 12, 2021
    #1
  2. Feb 12, 2021
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,826
    Try a short burn-out on a dirt road, check the tracks?
     
    PeteL, Feb 12, 2021
    #2
  3. Feb 12, 2021
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2009
    Messages:
    204,352
    Warn Auto Lock hubs only work in the free position when power is being applied by the transfer case. They will auto lock when accelerating or de-accelerating in gear. To lock they need a load. They do not lock without a load. Makes driving on ice fun. I would test them in the sand...
     
    Admiral Cray, Feb 12, 2021
    #3
    Beach66Bum likes this.
  4. Feb 12, 2021
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,719
    From this page on ewillys, it seems like they have a spring loaded engagement mechanism like newer Warn hubs:

    The Free-Lock Corporation and Their Hubs

    It seems they are automatic in that the dials are easy to turn and they will "automatically" engage once the splines line up while you drive.

    It doesn't sound like they are automatic in the sense of the Warn Lock-o-Matics. You still need to turn them on manually.
     
    Fireball, Feb 12, 2021
    #4
  5. Feb 12, 2021
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2009
    Messages:
    204,352
    Warn, you had to be in four wheel drive for them to work. I spent a few winters driving in Big Bear in snow and ice. And yes there is a story about my Jeep and a Jag on ice on Rim of the World...
     
    Admiral Cray, Feb 12, 2021
    #5
    maurywhurt and Fireball like this.
  6. Feb 12, 2021
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,719
    Of course the story is now required.
     
    Fireball, Feb 12, 2021
    #6
    maurywhurt likes this.
  7. Feb 13, 2021
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Messages:
    5,421
    lock-o-matic. free position
    just for fun . anytime jeep front end is in air
    I turn front driveshaft by hand to see wheel turn :D
     
    Twin2, Feb 13, 2021
    #7
  8. Feb 14, 2021
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,378
    This.
     
    Glenn, Feb 14, 2021
    #8
New Posts