07 XLT auto 4 wheel drive problem?

[cmichon]

I just bought my Explorer. Never had auto 4 wheel drive before. Now and then (more often when I am backing up), I can tell I am in 4 wheel drive from the difficulty while turning the wheel. Also have heard what sounds like something dry and rusty turning/rubbing noise when driving straight. Is this normal? None of it is constant.

 

[swetrid]

Make sure all tires are exactly the same and the same tread depth. They only allow like 1/4 circumference difference before you can have awd concerns.

 

[edwx]

Sounds kinda normal to me. Being in 4WD is a little wierd, especially when backing up and turning.

 

[thebrakeman]

V6 or V8?
The AWD systems are different, depending on the engine.

 

[jsexplorer]

Are you sure it's a 4WD sound? If you engage 4x4 HI, do you get the same grinding sounds? See my previous post.

I also get a grinding sound coming from the front end with 4x4 HI engaged under certain conditions. Some have said this sound is normal and all 4x4's do it. I'm not so sure. I bought my 08 Eddie Bauer (V8) new in January '09, and past 2 winters it didn't make this noise but now it does with less than 40K miles.

My past 2 vehicles were GM's and both traded at over 100K miles, and they never sounded like this in 4WD. So, I'm not convinced it's normal and 'they all do it'. That just hasn't been my experience.

But it doesn't seem to be a safety concern, so I'll have my front end shop check it out when I get my next set of tires since I need an alignment anyway.

 

[jakeamondo]

4X4 Auto

The 4X4 auto feature on the Control Trac 4wd system is a great feature, the problem is you cant turn it off and it seems like its always engaged. I took my 07 to the dealer and he claimed it was hanging up and he would replace the transfer case, however when i picked the car 3 days later i was told the transfer case fluid was contaminated and just needed to be flushed and replaced. He couldn't explain the three day part. It was under warranty at the time, otherwise they probably would have replaced the transfer case. The transfer case, transmission, and axle are vented, they are know to take in water. I found if you hit the 4X4 high button and then the 4x4 auto while driving it seems to disengage. The noise you hear while driving straight sounds more like front wheel bearings. See my posts on wheel bearings.

 

[thebrakeman]

I'm pretty sure the transmissions are sealed. Or at least the 6-speed on the V8 models are. That's why there is no normal dipstick to check.

 

[cmichon]

The dealership rebuilt the transfer case and the front differential (split the cost with me...thanks...I just bought it from them). It is better but still makes some noise. I can back up now without feeling the drag I felt before.