02, F250, 7.3, 4wd

When I switch over to 4wd I get a nasty "gear grinding" noise from my front left hub/axle area. Sounds to me like the hub is not engaging when in 4wd.

Jacked the front of the truck up and went over to the right side and locked the hub. Turned the wheel and both tires moved. Unlocked the hub and only the right side tire moved. Went to the other side and locked the hub. Only left side tire moved.

So I'm pretty sure that I have a hub issue where it's not engaging.

What do I do now?

i drive the same make,year truck as you.


I've had that happen a few times.

i just unlock/lock the hub again and it works fine.

i always lock my hubs manually btw

Tried that and no worky

I had a guy tell me that sometimes dirt can get up in those hubs and cause this kind of problem. He advised me to take off the hub to clean and regrease.

the hub in that truck has plastic internals pull it see if the ends are snapped off if they are youll know if not clean it real good and grease it