4WD trouble on '95 Sportage

[sublime]

It all started with some weird clicking noises coming from the front when 4WD was engaged, but it still seemed to work (we only use it for a few hundred metres in low speeds every now and then). After a while the front wheels didn't pull much at all, and now there's just a clicking noise and no pull on the front wheels at all.

I've read a lot about these locking hubs that seems to be a problem on these cars, but I haven't seen anyone mention all the sounds we've had on ours. Anyone know what's going on?

Is there a way to _see_ if it's the hubs? What should I look for if I open them up?

I know a previous owner used to drive the car in 4HI all winter, even on dry roads. I'm guessing that may have caused some damage/wear to the power train. Would the locking hubs be the first to go?

Also.. about these Warn Automechanical hubs, I've seen prices from $120-145, but none of the online shops specify if that's a full kit or for one wheel only. Anyone bought these and know what the price for all four should be?

[LMP]

Originally Posted by sublime

It all started with some weird clicking noises ?

Yes, absolutely typical of hubs going awry.
What year model? Are these the original hubs?
If this is the original vacuum hubs (1997-2001) and they do that when you are in 2WD, there is a chance they are not done - yet. THe electrical solenoid that applies vacuum to the hubs can leak and apply partial vacuum where there should be none. YOU can test this easily by disconnecting the vacuum line to the hubs and see what happens.
http://geocities.com/lmp4203/kiasport/DSCN2448s.jpg
You will have no 4WD available at that time.

It it proves you have no more "sounds" you can try to train the solenoid valve with 12 V applied ON and OFF while at same time using some means of circulating air through the ports at same time, and it may return to normal. Some WD40 may help . This may let you time to find a reliable source for replacements that will probably be needed sometime down the line anyway....

Ahh....after all that talk --(talk is cheap) -- I just realize you had said it happens when you are in 4WD...so...look for new hubs at oncs...
check THIS
out
and THAT too

[sublime]

Originally Posted by LMP

What year model? Are these the original hubs?

It's a '95 2.0. European sold if that makes any difference (I live in Norway).

Originally Posted by LMP

Ahh....after all that talk --(talk is cheap) -- I just realize you had said it happens when you are in 4WD...so...look for new hubs at oncs...
check THIS
out...

Alright. Thanks. Nice procedure, I found it earlier tonight and it's already lying on my printer..

Another thing, after 4WD has been engaged I have to back up a bit not to have any rrrrrrrrrrrrrr-noises coming from the front even though the front wheels don't pull. Not sure if it makes any difference, but it's worth mentioning.

Originally Posted by LMP

and THAT too

Do you know if that's a set of four, or only for one wheel?

And - should I just go ahead and buy these immediately, or should I try to disassemble the hubs on the car now and look for any damage just to be sure?

[LMP]

IN '95 the original equipment hubs were mechanical, to best of my knowledge, that is, almost similar to the present day Warn replacement considered, so you should not have the vacuum solenoid shown in photo. And then there is no external cause possible.
In fact I had just sent a message to this supplier earlier to-day to inquire about what they have in that "kit" at that price. When I have a reply I'll redirect to you. Anyway, I suppose you have suppliers for this in Norway or nearer than USA...

As far as I know, when these hub quit, that is for good...there is no practical return to normal behaviour..they are fried..

[sublime]

I found a dealer in Oslo (Norway) and I've contacted them. They've got a kit for both front wheels for about $300. If the $120 one from 4buy4 is the same kit it'll be a lot cheaper buying from them, even with shipping costs and customs.

Just one thing though.. the dealer here in Norway says these are manual hubs, and you'll have to get out of the car each time you engage/disengage the 4WD. Isn't there any automatic hubs available?

The Sportage is my girlfriends car, so I haven't driven it much, but she says the Kia dealer said she didn't have to do anything else than to move the 4WD-lever when engaging 4WD. That would mean the car has automatic hubs?

[LMP]

60247 are the manuals hubs
61918 are the automatic locking hubs and this is what they offer at 4buy4
I think I can contact one who bought from them for a check..

BY the way, ...dealers will say anything....yes even if you have manuals in the ON position, you will switch 4wd in and out just moving the T-case lever except in 2WD, the front wheels are not driven, but all shafts and differential keep turning and add drag and fuel consumption and to get them OUT, the hubs must unlock, either manually or automatically. THe automechanical will unlock without going out of the car...but there is a trick I'll explain in due time for that to happen.

[sublime]

Thanks.. I think I'll have to enlighten the dealer tomorrow. They said they didn't know of any other automatic hubs than the stock ones.

[LMP]

OK got reply from 4buy4: this is copy

"The kit comes with everything you would need to change from Manual Hubs to Auto locking hubs.
Rolly
www.4buy4.com
www.thetruckplace.com"

[sublime]

Thanks a lot LMP!

I think I'm going to order from 4buy4. Even with custom fees, taxes and shipping it'll be $70 cheaper than the norwegian dealer on the manual ones... also I don't have to spend $50 in gas to go to Oslo to pick them up. I love shopping abroad.

[sublime]

Well.. still waiting for Warn hubs. Here's the story (posted in the dealer experiences forum): http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=533851

I don't love shopping abroad anymore (see post above).