Updated: July 25, 2021 - Andy Lilienthal

What are Manual Locking Hubs?

Manual hubs are a type of part used to disconnect a wheel from an axle in a four-wheel drive system. This allows the wheels to rotate without having the front driveline turn. This saves wear and tear on the vehicle and also helps improve fuel economy. Before you put the vehicle into four-wheel drive, you will need to exit the vehicle and twist the hub's dial to engage the hub to the axle. Once this is done, your 4WD will turn the front and rear wheels.

The Origin of Warn's Locking Hubs

Back in 1948, Arthur Warn developed the WARN locking hub so surplus WWII Jeeps, which had full-time four-wheel drive, could perform better on the pavement. These hubs allowed the vehicle's front wheels to be disconnected from the drivetrain. He advertised that the hubs would increase fuel economy, be incredibly durable, and were easy to install. More than 60 years later, this still applies to WARN 4WD Hubs.

Why Use Locking Hubs?

Some four-wheel drive vehicles come with manual locking hubs. However, after time, they become worn and need replacing. Other four-wheel-drive vehicles have automatic locking hubs. And although auto hubs are convenient, they don't allow for a complete disconnect from the four-wheel-drive system. Axles, differentials, and driveshafts still turn, even in 2WD, which adds extra wear and tear on a vehicle and decreases fuel economy. When you switch to a manual WARN 4WD Hub, you have the ability to disconnect front wheels from the front drivetrain, increasing fuel economy, and decreasing drivetrain wear.

Features and Benefits of Warn Locking Hubs

Another benefit of WARN 4WD locking hubs is durability. The WARN Standard Hub is built to OEM levels of durability, and are a great choice if you're replacing a set of OEM locking hubs. The Standard Hubs use many of the same components as our Premium Hubs, too. WARN Premium Hubs are even more durable, and feature ultra-strong all-metal construction, a ZA alloy dial, and a thick internal wave spring and heavy dial detents. Regardless of which WARN hubs you purchase, we stick behind the product with a limited lifetime warranty. Whether upgrading existing hubs, replacing hubs, or switching from automatic to manual, WARN 4WD Hubs offer a variety of benefits both on and off road.