'00 4WD Front End Noise

[Mattimore]

Figured I'd throw this one out there and see if anyone has any thoughts...I recently developed a noise in the front end when turning my front wheels while in 4WD.

The noise is sort of low and almost grinding...occurs when I turn left or right in 4WD Hi and Lo - but not straight ahead and not when in 2WD (a.k.a. 4WD Auto). I also think there's a bit of a popping noise and a sensation like the front wheels are "slipping".

The noise is not the typical 4WD "crabbing" - its definitely something new. Also, the 4WD seems to be working fine other than this problem.

Seeing as I had to replace the hubs on my '92 EB and my '93 XLT, I immediatley suspected them...but in reading many of the posts it seems that the hubs aren't really a problem on the 98's+. I also contacted Warn and they only offer replacements for '97 and earlier, which again leads me to believe that the hubs aren't the problem that they used to be.

But, having said this I guess it could be the hubs, and if so, does anypne have suggestions? I got a quote for replacement autos $175 each side, parts only. Haven't been able to find manuals...not even sure if manuals are an option with the 4WD Auto-Hi-Lo xfer case.

Any thougths, guesses or expereinces would be appreciated.

Dean
'00 XLT V6 SOHC 4WD 59k Miles

 

[MrShorty]

At some point ('97 or '98?), the explorer stopped coming with any kind of lockout on the front axle. In other words, I think the front axle on yours is always spinning with the tires. That said, I would suspect a CV joint.

 

[TPLYNCH]

What kind of surface were you driving on in 4HI and 4Lo when it was making the noises???

 

[Mattimore]

Tom,

I've noticed the noise in a variety of conditions - first in deep snow (6-8"). Its more pronounced on dry pavement (which I tried only in an effort to diagnose the problem). But its definitely a new noise, regardless of the surface.

Dean

 

[TPLYNCH]

Some noise is normal in 4x4 on snow or loose packed surface. If you run 4x4 on pavement and make turns, you will definitely hear noise, bad noise. Don't run 4x4 hi or lo on pavement. That will kill your drivetrain and/or transfer case.

As for it being different, could be you t/f case itself. Normally, if it's CV's/bearings/hub seals, you would hear the noise no matter what mode you're in since the front ends turn 24/7/365.

 

[Mattimore]

Well, I took it to a local mechanic and he looked it over. He said everything in the front end is fine - bearings, CV joints, tie rods, etc. etc.

But he did hear the noise and he's guessing that its in the transfer case. Based on what he said, and from reading the many posts about transfer cases, it sounds to me like something is going bad in the t/case (basically, when turning the wheels the strain causes it to groan and even slip a little).

The mechanic suggested running it until 100k miles (it has 60k now) or until it won't engage in 4WD anymore. I'm a little surprised the problem has showed up this early (60k).

Thanks for the ideas so far - any other info out there would be appreciated.

Dean

 

[GloNDark]

any updates on this?? No almost a year later.

 

[Mattimore]

I went thru another winter - 20+ inches of snow in December alone - and the 4WD seemed to work fine...but the noise is still there under the same circumstances, so basically I just use the 4WD only when I really need it, and try to disengage it before I make a sharp turn.

Dean