What is a free wheeling hub?
On a part-time 4WD, the front wheels are mounted on hubs that can either lock to the front axle shafts or spin freely on their bearings. A free wheeling hub — also called a manual locking hub — lets you choose.
- FREE — the front wheels roll on their own while the front axle shafts, diff and front driveshaft stay still. This is where they live for everyday 2WD driving.
- LOCK — the wheels are connected to the axle shafts, so the front end can drive when you select 4WD.
Running in FREE means less wear on the front driveline, less drag and noise, and a little less fuel. Before you select 4WD, stop and turn both hubs to LOCK — and always lock both sides, never just one.
Manual vs automatic hubs
Many 4WDs left the factory with automatic hubs that lock themselves when 4WD is engaged. They're convenient, but as they age they can slip, fail to engage or fail to release. A manual dial hub is simple and positive — you can see and feel that it's locked — which is why plenty of owners convert from auto to manual.
Signs your hubs need attention
- Clicking, grinding or clunking from the front when you're in 4WD
- A hub that won't lock, won't stay locked, or won't release
- A stiff or seized dial
- Water getting in, or grease weeping out of the hub
Give them a run. Lock the hubs and drive a few kilometres in 4WD every few weeks. It keeps the front end lubricated and the seals working, and you'll find a problem before you need 4WD in a hurry.
Hub brands we supply and fit
Hulk 4x4
Sold as a pair
Hulk 4x4 manual hub sets are a straightforward, cost-effective replacement for worn or automatic hubs. Each set includes both hubs, and the range covers older Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Navara, Pathfinder and Terrano, Mitsubishi Pajero and Triton, Holden Colorado and Isuzu D-Max / MU-X, Suzuki Jimny and Vitara, and Jeep Cherokee.
Best for: replacing tired hubs on common older 4WDs at a sensible price.
Force4
New Zealand · Silverdale · Sold as a pair
Force4 is a New Zealand company based just along Forge Road in Silverdale. Its OEM-style hubs are listed by spline count, with steel-base (Aisin-style) and alloy-body options, a super heavy-duty steel-body 31 spline hub for the GQ and GU Patrol, and a kit that converts the Prado KZJ78's factory auto hubs to manual dials. Force4 builds them for strength and reliability, including on vehicles running bigger tyres.
Best for: harder use, larger tyres, the GQ/GU Patrol and auto-to-manual conversions.
Force4's warranty requires the hubs to be fitted by a suitably qualified installer — something we do every day in our Silverdale workshop. Some hubs need partial disassembly to fit, and getting the reassembly right matters.