Is it bad to drive around with front hubs locked?

Usually, yes—driving with front locking hubs engaged when you don’t need four-wheel drive can waste fuel, add drivetrain drag, and cause unnecessary wear. Lock the hubs only when you plan to use 4WD, and unlock them for normal paved-road driving. Modern vehicles with automatic hubs or AWD systems often manage this automatically, so manual hub adjustment is less common today.

How front locking hubs work

Front locking hubs connect or disconnect the front wheels from the vehicle’s front axle and transfer case. When hubs are unlocked, the front wheels spin without turning the front driveshaft, reducing drag. When hubs are locked, the front wheels drive the front axle and transfer case, enabling four-wheel drive. This design is most common on older trucks and some SUVs built for off-road use. Modern vehicles increasingly use automatic hubs or full-time AWD, which removes the need for user intervention.

When you should engage or disengage

Engage locking hubs only when you anticipate needing 4WD, such as on snow, mud, sand, or steep grades. On dry pavement and in routine driving, keep hubs unlocked if your vehicle has manual hubs. If your vehicle uses automatic hubs or a modern AWD system, manual hub adjustment is typically unnecessary.

Consider the following potential effects if hubs remain locked while driving in 2WD.

• Increased drivetrain drag, which lowers fuel economy and can reduce overall efficiency.


• Extra wear on the front differential, transfer case, wheel bearings, and CV joints due to rotating components that aren’t required in 2WD.


• Heavier steering feel and more effort required to turn on dry pavement because the front axle remains connected.


• Possible overheating or added stress in the front end if driven long distances with hubs locked in 2WD.


• In some designs, increased noise or wear in older hub mechanisms from continuous engagement.

In short, leaving hubs locked on dry pavement is generally not advisable unless you need 4WD soon or are operating on surfaces that require it.

Practical guidelines for hub usage

These guidelines help you use locking hubs safely and efficiently while minimizing wear and fuel use.

• Know your vehicle: Read the owner’s manual to confirm whether your hubs are manual, automatic, or if your system uses a different axle disconnect.


• Engage 4WD only when needed: Lock and engage 4WD on snow, mud, sand, or steep grades; switch back to 2WD on dry pavement for long trips to conserve fuel and reduce wear.


• Lock/unlock safely: For manual hubs, perform hub changes with the vehicle stationary and per the manual’s instructions; avoid locking or unlocking while moving at speed.


• Regular maintenance: Inspect hub seals, CV joints, wheel bearings, and the transfer case periodically, especially if hubs have been left locked for extended periods.

Following these guidelines helps ensure you maintain efficiency and drivetrain health while still using 4WD where it’s genuinely beneficial.

What to do if you’re unsure about your system

If you’re uncertain whether your vehicle uses manual or automatic hubs, or if it has a modern electronic disconnect, consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer or a qualified mechanic. Driving with the wrong hub setting on a vehicle designed for automatic engagement can lead to unnecessary wear or drivetrain issues.

Summary

Front hubs should generally be left unlocked for everyday driving unless you are about to tackle terrain that requires four-wheel drive. Manual hubs require deliberate engagement, while automatic hubs or AWD systems handle engagement automatically. Understanding your specific system and adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines will help you maximize safety, efficiency, and longevity of your drivetrain.

Does 4WD work without locking the hubs?

No, 4WD will not work without locking the hubs, whether manual or automatic. When 4WD is engaged, the transfer case sends power to the front driveshaft, but if the hubs are not locked, the front wheels remain disconnected, and the power isn't transferred to them. This means the vehicle will continue to be in 2WD and you'll only be driving on the rear wheels. 
Hubs and 4WD explained

• Manual hubs: You must manually lock the hubs to engage 4WD. If the hubs are left in the "free" position, the front wheels will not turn even if the transfer case is in 4WD mode. 
• Automatic hubs: These hubs are designed to lock automatically when 4WD is engaged. If the hubs fail to lock, it's often due to a problem like rust, wear, or a vacuum leak. 
• 4WD operation: When 4WD is engaged and the hubs are locked, the front driveshaft, differential, and both front wheels all spin, providing power to all four wheels. 
• Consequences of not locking hubs: Leaving the hubs unlocked while 4WD is engaged will result in the vehicle staying in 2WD, but the front driveshaft and differential will still spin, which can cause extra wear and slightly reduce fuel efficiency. 

What does locking front hubs do?

Locking hubs, also known as free wheeling hubs are fitted to some (mainly older) four-wheel drive vehicles, allowing the front wheels to rotate freely when disconnected (unlocked) from the front axle.

Is it bad to drive with hubs locked?

It is not a major issue for short periods, but it is generally bad to drive with manual hubs locked when not in 4WD mode on high-traction surfaces like pavement. Leaving hubs locked in two-wheel drive (2WD) will cause increased wear on the front drivetrain, a reduction in fuel efficiency, and a heavier steering feel. However, for frequent off-road users, leaving hubs locked for an entire season can prevent components from seizing due to rust. 
This video explains manual hubs and when to lock them: 58sRonny DahlYouTube · Apr 21, 2014
Risks of driving with hubs locked on pavement

• Increased wear: The front axle, driveshaft, and differential will be spinning continuously, even when you are not using four-wheel drive. This causes more wear on those components over time. 
• Reduced fuel economy: You will burn more fuel because you are moving more parts than are necessary. 
• Heavier steering: Some drivers report that the front end feels heavier or that the steering is more difficult. 
• Potential for damage: While not guaranteed, leaving hubs locked for extended periods on high-traction surfaces can lead to premature failure of components. 

When it might be beneficial to leave hubs locked

• Preventing rust: For vehicles that don't see frequent four-wheel drive use, locking the hubs periodically is beneficial. This ensures the front differential and U-joints don't seize up from sitting still for too long. 
• Winter driving: If you anticipate needing 4x4 for snow or ice throughout a season, leaving the hubs locked can be a convenience, as long as you disengage 4WD when you are on clear pavement. 
• Short-distance travel: A short, low-speed trip with hubs locked won't cause significant damage. 

How to decide

• If you use 4WD often: You can leave hubs locked and only disengage 4WD when on dry pavement. 
• If you only use 4WD occasionally: It's best to lock the hubs when you need them and unlock them once you are back on pavement. 
• If you're worried about wear: It is best to only lock hubs when needed, to minimize wear on the front drivetrain components. 
• If you have automatic hubs: These typically lock and unlock on their own, so you don't need to worry about this issue as much, but you should still disengage 4WD when you are on pavement. 

This video explains the truth about manual hub lockers: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Mar 30, 2025

Can you drive in 2WD with your hubs locked?

Locking the hubs in 2WD won't help traction; if the transfer case is not in 4WD, there's zero power diverted to the front wheels. You shouldn't drive in 2WD with the hubs locked, it can damage the hubs since they're not designed for full-time use. There are no benefits in keeping them locked.