Drive without lockouts installed in the hubs could, the wheel bearings be damaged?

JCH2013

MEMBER
1999 FORD RANGER
150,000 MILES

Vehicle 1999 Ford Ranger: - The pulse vacuum hubs (planning on replacing them with manual style lockouts) would not unlock the front wheels, so in an attempt to free up the front end for a longer trip I removed the lockouts from the wheel hub and taped over the hole with some vinyl tape to keep out dirt ect, however I made it about 10 miles and when I hit a bump the whole truck began to vibrate wildly from the front end. If I stopped the vibration stopped and I then could drive normal until I hit any small pothole or divet and the vibration would appear again instantly. I reinstalled the lockouts needless to say and I haven't gotten to drive for an extended period yet, nut could I have damaged the wheel hub unit by driving without the lockout? The lockout really isn't the sturdiest thing I've seen as it has a plastic body and merely clips itself to the outside of the wheel hub, seeing this I assumed I could drive without it as long as water and dirt weren't allowed in the hole.

2 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Well if you drive with them back in and you don't get eh vibration that should tell yo to leave them in or a suitable replacement. Without actually seeing the vehicle to see if there is any damage it is hard to say onhere. However I don't think there will be any damage or slight at the most as you didn't drive that far. But again it's hard to say until it's actually looked at.