4x4 High Griding Noise

robbie51981 · 01-06-2007, 08:59 PM

I just picked up a used 2005 Explorer XLT the other day. The salesman told me one a month to use the 4x4 high and low settings to lubricate the gears. Last night I decided to do this and anytime the steering wheel turned in 4x4 high mode I got a grinding sound and it felt like the wheel was stiffer than it should have been. I was going less than 10mph while doing this. So today I decided to try it again and it did the same thing. It doesnt do it unless I have the explorer in 4x4 high mode. Any suggestions on what this could be doing?

I did a search and couldt find anything about this problem so is it just me? Tomorrow is the last day I have to bring the car back if I decide I dont want it.

**IZwack** · 01-06-2007, 09:41 PM

You're not supposed to use 4wd on pavement.

The grinding you're hearing when you turn is the transfer case binding up as the front driveshaft spins at a different speed than the rear driveshaft during a turn (the wheels never follow the same path during a turn)

So to recap - dont put your vehicle in 4HI/LO on pavement unless theres snow or whatever over the pavement.

Also, contrary to what the dealer said, you dont need to engage your vehicle into 4HI or 4LO every month to lubricate the gears. The transfer case has an oil pickup system that slings oil to the main shaft while the vehicle is in motion.

robbie51981 · 01-06-2007, 09:44 PM

so you are telling me there is nothing wrong with the system then? how do you lubricate your explorers gears?

**IZwack** · 01-06-2007, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbie51981

so you are telling me there is nothing wrong with the system then?

Thats correct -- there is nothing wrong with your 4wd system

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbie51981

how do you lubricate your explorers gears?

Well the gears in the transfer case, as Ive said, is lubricated with a pickup system. As long as the transfer case is properly filled with fluid, then everything is good

If you want to check the transfer case fluid level, there are typically two plugs on the back of the transfer case - the "higher" level plug is the fill plug <-- which you can remove to check the fluid level. The "lower" plug is the drain plug.

robbie51981 · 01-06-2007, 09:54 PM

thank you for your wisdom. as you can tell this is my first 4 wheel drive vehicle. my first suv actually...in my younger days i was a fast and the furious type kid. anyway thanks for your help.

**IZwack** · 01-06-2007, 09:55 PM

Good luck!

01-06-2007, 08:59 PM	#1
robbie51981 Wannabe Elite Explorer Virginia Beach, Va 2005 XLT Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 33 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	4x4 High Griding Noise I just picked up a used 2005 Explorer XLT the other day. The salesman told me one a month to use the 4x4 high and low settings to lubricate the gears. Last night I decided to do this and anytime the steering wheel turned in 4x4 high mode I got a grinding sound and it felt like the wheel was stiffer than it should have been. I was going less than 10mph while doing this. So today I decided to try it again and it did the same thing. It doesnt do it unless I have the explorer in 4x4 high mode. Any suggestions on what this could be doing? I did a search and couldt find anything about this problem so is it just me? Tomorrow is the last day I have to bring the car back if I decide I dont want it.

01-06-2007, 09:41 PM	#2
IZwack Germantown, MD Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 22,389 Vehicle Specs	You're not supposed to use 4wd on pavement. The grinding you're hearing when you turn is the transfer case binding up as the front driveshaft spins at a different speed than the rear driveshaft during a turn (the wheels never follow the same path during a turn) So to recap - dont put your vehicle in 4HI/LO on pavement unless theres snow or whatever over the pavement. Also, contrary to what the dealer said, you dont need to engage your vehicle into 4HI or 4LO every month to lubricate the gears. The transfer case has an oil pickup system that slings oil to the main shaft while the vehicle is in motion. __________________ »»»»»...how'd the moon get there, how'd the moon get there? Last edited by IZwack; 01-06-2007 at 09:56 PM.

01-06-2007, 09:55 PM	#6
IZwack Germantown, MD Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 22,389 Vehicle Specs	Good luck! __________________ »»»»»...how'd the moon get there, how'd the moon get there?

01-06-2007, 09:44 PM	#3
robbie51981 Wannabe Elite Explorer Virginia Beach, Va 2005 XLT Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 33 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	so you are telling me there is nothing wrong with the system then? how do you lubricate your explorers gears?

01-06-2007, 09:54 PM	#5
robbie51981 Wannabe Elite Explorer Virginia Beach, Va 2005 XLT Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 33 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	thank you for your wisdom. as you can tell this is my first 4 wheel drive vehicle. my first suv actually...in my younger days i was a fast and the furious type kid. anyway thanks for your help.