Best solution for 2001 Sportage 4x4 hub issues?

[Inazone]

I purchased my 2001 Sportage 4x4 new in `01 and have had it in for service numerous times due to the 4WD not engaging. On the second or third go-round, a service manager at the dealership mentioned the WARN hub kits that I've seen posted here on the forum. Because all of the service was performed under warranty (and installation of aftermarket hubs wouldn't be) I never pursued that option further. However, I recently passed the 100K mile mark and - after two years with no 4WD issues - found myself getting no traction on minimal pack snow and ice after snowfall over the weekend. I can't say that I'm surprised.

Not having seen any recent mention here of the WARN replacement hub kits, I'm just wondering if they are still considered the "go-to" choice for out-of-warranty Sportages. I am NOT in a position to work on the vehicle myself, but I have had a good relationship with my dealer over the years and don't object to having them do the installation if they are willing to do so for a reasonable price. The same service manager mentioned the option of leaving the hubs always engaged, but that doing so would cause considerable wear and tear when driving at highway speeds on dry pavement.

Is there a better option than the WARN hubs? Are the manual and automechanical styles equally reliable, and more reliable than the flakey factory hubs? Should I expect to pay an arm and a leg to get the auto kit installed vs. the manual? Any feedback would be useful as I try to decide. My Sportage has been reliable, and I prefer many aspects of it to newer small SUVs, so it's my intention to drive it for at least a few more years . . . but I need 4WD that I can count on.

[LMP]

The easiest is to install manual hubs; only the hubs need to be installed and this is a bolt off bolt on operation. Of course you would need to go out of vehicle to turn them on an off.
Keeping the hubs always ON consumes fuel...and drag from the front gear train can be a hazard when cold and slippery road are combined with 2WD; the rear will try to push against the dragging front end with hairy results.
I have the WARN auto-mechanical . THis is a complete kit that requires more installation work as described here
http://www.geocities.com/lmp4203/kia...hubinstall.pdf and you will have to cut the tip off hub caps covers to make room http://www.geocities.com/lmp4203/kiasport/dscn1696.jpg as for the manuals.
THe main difference compared to the original vacuum models is they must be engaged from a standstill only; T-case can be turned back to 2WD on the fly, but the hubs will not disengage until you stop and back-off 5 feet, otherwise you are in same condition as described above: front end dragging the rear.

[de2deas]

I have 2001 kia and I replaced the auto factory hubs with warn manuals from a company called tweeter.com. They cost me about 100.00 a set and they work great. I wouldn't go back to autos, the factory replacements are about 250.00-300.00 for one.

[kellybelly77]

I also have warn hubs, cost me about 280.00 to have installed, however, after 1 year am having issues with them. The front right is rubbing so hard right now when in 4 wheel drive (i have them locked) when i unlock them, no problems. Car dealer said wheel bearing, but can't be cuz of it's only when in 4 wheel drive, not in 2. But also found it's when i decelarate in the car, not when i accelerate. Warn hubs are nice, but diffently not like the real ones. I also own a 2001 sportage! Good Luck

[Inazone]

Originally Posted by kellybelly77

I also have warn hubs, cost me about 280.00 to have installed, however, after 1 year am having issues with them. The front right is rubbing so hard right now when in 4 wheel drive (i have them locked) when i unlock them, no problems. Car dealer said wheel bearing, but can't be cuz of it's only when in 4 wheel drive, not in 2. But also found it's when i decelarate in the car, not when i accelerate. Warn hubs are nice, but diffently not like the real ones. I also own a 2001 sportage! Good Luck

I was quoted $270 with installation. Had to hold off for a bit to make sure that a cooling issue wasn't going to be "fatal" (ended up being a leaking radiator) before putting any money into the 4WD fix. Your post is the first I've seen about an issue with the Warn hubs here, but I haven't checked any other forums. If you get it resolved, please post what it was!