I have a 1989 Chevy 4x4 that i can't get the front hubs to lock in what can it be.?

Answer 1

on that one it has a actuator that actually locks the front differential in ,you need to check that first those go bad real often,and without it ,there's no way it will lock in,the transfer case will lock in ,but the front differential uses a actuator,it looks like giant 0-2 sensor,and is located towards the front of the differential unit,also check the fuse panel and make sure it hasn't blown the fuse for it,it is marked 4 wheel drive in the fuse panel,but id say the actuator has gone out ,they cost around 70 bucks brand new,and most parts stores can get you one ,that what goes wrong with those 99% of the time though ,it only takes about 5 minutes to change it out,good luck on it i hope this helps.

Answer 2

i dont think an 89 chevrolet has lock in/out hubs instead i believe the axle is linked straight into the differential which uses a vacuum to lock the front axles inside the differential
i had a friend that had a chevrolet blazer that the 4x4 didnt work either so he unhooked the vacuum and ran a cable from the differential so he could lock in 4x4 anytime he wanted

Answer 3

Automatic or Manual.
Many times the gears wear on the Automatic hubs and slip. For my friends, we just replace with Manual Hubs. They not hard to remove and inspect. If, you not very machanical get a repair manual at a parts store that show a diagram of the hub so you know where everything go should a spring drop out and you wonder; "Now, where the heck does that go"?

Answer 4

1989 Chevy 4x4

Answer 5

Mine did the same thing, vacuum actuator in the front diff. I found one at the pull and pay salvage for about $10. It fixed it.

Answer 6

shift to 4 wheel in neutral and the put in reverse for abt 3 or 4 feet.

Answer 7

you might have to take them apart to remove dirt.