Axle Hubs Not Engaging, Staying Engaged and/or Unlocking – 1999-2004 Ford

TSB
04-18-5
  • AXLE – FRONT HUBS NOT ENGAGING, NOT STAYING ENGAGED AND/OR UNLOCKING

 

FORDeBay logo:1999-2004 F-SUPER DUTY
2000-2004 EXCURSION

 

This article supersedes TSB 04-11-6 to update the vehicle lines listed in the printed version of TSB 04-11-6.

ISSUE:

Some 4X4 vehicles may exhibit a hub not engaging, not staying engaged and/or unlocking. This may be due to hub lock damage caused by contact between the front axle shaft and the inside of the hub lock assembly.

 

ACTION:

Follow normal Workshop Manual diagnostics for four wheel drive system. If diagnostics lead to a failed hub lock, check the inside of the hub lock for signs of contact with the axle shaft (Figure 1). If signs of contact are evident, perform the following procedure when replacing the hub lock assembly.

signs of contact with the axle shaft

Figure 1 – Article 04-18-5

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

  1. Remove the hub lock assembly. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 308-07A (for 1999 model year vehicles refer to 2000 Workshop Manual).
  2. Insert clean rag into wheel hub cavity to protect it from contamination.
  3. Drill out axle shaft pilot hole to 16 mm (5/8″) diameter and 2 mm (0.08″) deep (Figure 2). The axle shaft does not need to be removed from wheel-end assembly for this step.
Drill out axle shaft pilot hole to 16 mm (5/8") diameter and 2 mm (0.08") deep

Figure 2 – Article 04-18-5

 

NOTE: OPENING THE SHAFT PILOT HOLE DIAMETER WILL PROVIDE CLEARANCE TO THE METAL TABS, LOCATED INSIDE THE HUB LOCK, DURING ENGAGEMENT CYCLING.

  1. Remove all contaminants from hub cavity and reassemble.

 

PART NUMBER PART NAME
1C3Z-3B396-CB

No products found.

Front Axle Hub (ESOF)
1C3Z-3B396-DA

No products found.

Front Axle Hub (Manual)

 

WARRANTY STATUS:

Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTIONTIME
041805AReplace Hub Lock Assembly And Drill Axle Shaft Pilot Hole (Does Not Include Time For The Diagnosis Described In The Repair Action) One Hub0.3 Hr.
041805BReplace Hub Lock Assembly And Drill Axle Shaft Pilot Hole (Does Not Include Time For The Diagnosis Described In The Repair Action) Both Hubs0.5 Hr.

 

DEALER CODING

BASIC PART NO.CONDITION CODE
3B39607

 

Sale
80W-90 Gear Oil Qt
  • Contains extraordinary anti-wear and lubricity agents, ensuring exceptional protection against wear and reducing drag
  • Helps to control heat
  • Incorporates Lucas cutting-edge additive technology derived from top-rated Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer, the number one supplemental oil in the heavy-duty industry
  • Available in 1 quart and 1 gallon bottle sizes

Last update on 2026-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

Royal Purple 01300 Max Gear 75W-90 High Performance Synthetic Automotive Gear Oil , 1 Quart (32 Ounces)
  • For best performance, follow the manufacturer's recommendations in your vehicle owner’s manual.

Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

Plews 55001 Lubrimatic Fluid Quart Pump, Fits Standard Quart Bottles
  • Industrial Grade: Our Lubrimatic 55-001 Fluid & Oil Transfer Pump Is A Simple And Effective Solution For Adding Fluids To Small Engines, Automotive Transmissions And Axles, Farm Equipment, Industrial Equipment, And Marine Lower Units; Ideal For Adding Oil And Other Fluids, Such As Antifreeze, Fuel, Steering Fluid, Or Gear Lube, To Small Engines And Marine Lower Units.Fit Type: Universal Fit
  • Leak-Free Fluid Transfer: Avoid Messy Spills And The Hassle Transferring Fluids; The Lubrimatic 55-001 Threads Securely Onto Quart Sized Bottles And Containers With Traditional Sized Necks As Commonly Used For Motor Oil, Atf, And Gear Lube; Not Compatible With Bottles That Have Oversize Or Wide-Mouth Necks; Transfers Fluids At 4Cc’S Per Stroke
  • Rigid Inlet Tubes: Make Kinks A Thing Of The Past! The Stiff, Rigid Construction Of The Inlet Tubes Ensures That No Clogs Or Obstructions Will Keep Your Fluids From Pouring Smoothly; Inlet Tubes Won'T Curl Like Flexible Tubes, Ensuring A More Complete Fluid Transfer
  • Flexible Hose: Includes A 17 Inch Long, 3/8 Inch Diameter Flexible Outlet Hose To Allow Easy Access To Hard To Reach Fill Plugs And Tubes

Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Leave a Comment

Share to...