What's the harm in leaving lock-in hubs locked on my 4wd?

Question

I've always heard that its bad for them, but never could get an answer as to why.

Answer 1

more wear on ujoints, transfer case and driveshaft. drops mileage to.
i leave mine locked in all winter long, i just replace the front ujoints every year

Answer 2

The rate of the wheel turns front to back are not quite the same and leaving your hubs locked causes wear on the transfer case. It is assumed when you engage the 4 wheel drive, you will be on a slippery surface like dirt, snow, etc. so the slip needed is assured. If you drive around on pavement for long periods of time, there is not very much slip available, so you get the wear.

Answer 3

it causes extra wear and tear on your transfer case , hard to imagine you going down the road at 75 with locked in hubs

Answer 4

It will cause wear on your hubs, tires and front differential. Very expensive to fix. Rule of thumb is that you never lock them in when there is no tire slippage, ie; dry pavement.

Answer 5

You can answer this yourself. All you have to do is get on dry pavement and drive in a figure 8. All those funny noises and the way the steering wheel feels should answer you. DON'T do it.

Answer 6

confident I lock it most of the time because of the fact I actual have a double coated German shepard dogs . regardless of having A/C in my room he is going to open refrigerator & take a seat infron of it .may well be he gets extra cooling effec from it.

Answer 7

Increases wear on the transfer case.
Lowers your millage.
Noisier.

Answer 8

trust me, it WILL ruin the gears that mesh with the hub........been there, done that.........$2150 on my Ford F-350