2000 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4wd loud

[Chef Sharkos]

So I just got a 2000 explorer Eddie Bauer and when I put it in 4low and turn, it makes a loud squeaking noise. What can it be?

 

[EB4X]

I assume you did this on dry pavement....
DON'T do that anymore.. turning in 4LOW in part time 4x4's (not awd) is designed (long of short) to do in dirt/sand/mud environments....where binding wont occur.....read this:

If you own a vehicle with part time 4WD the need for different rpm front and rear represents a major problem. The transfer case will power the front and rear drive shafts with same rpm and is not able to satisfy the front axle's need for more rpm. Remember, the combined rpm of front wheels (A+B) is higher than the combined rpm of the rear wheels (C+D). Only full time 4WD systems are able to negotiate the needs of front and rear.

So, with part time 4WD engaged your front wheels are forced by good traction on the ground to rotate faster than the rear - but since the front drive shaft delivers only the same rpm as to the rear there is a fight between front wheels and rotational force coming from the front drive shaft. The front drive shaft in effect tries to slow down the front wheels. This results in very wide turns (understeer) and dangerous handling on pavement.


The name "part time" derives from its use. It can only be used part of the time - most of the time (for most uses) it has to remain in 2WD. Only "full time" - notice the name - can be used full time for all uses.

The fight between front wheels and transfer case also makes 4WD performance suffer - in a turn the front wheels are not pulling like they should. They are in effect hindered by the front drive shaft.

The slowing effect caused by front wheels stresses all components between wheels and the transfer case. It causes mechanical components to bind instead of moving freely - this situation is called "axle binding" ,"driveline binding" or "driveline wind up". First indicators while driving is a hard steering feel and the vehicle displaying jerky movement

 

[Chef Sharkos]

Thank you Barry. That's very helpful. I was testing the 4wd the day I bought it just to make sure it clicked in.

 

[rasouth]

I agree with Barry in saying the front wheels and rear wheels turn at different speeds when in 4WD low and on pavement you will get wheel chatter, not good for front end.
Did you drive the car or just engage 4wd and turn wheels? Could be that transfer case, if not used a lot, could be dry or low in tranny fluid.

 

[Chef Sharkos]

I was test driving the car before purchasing it. I had just pulled over and put it in 4low for maybe 25 feet and a right turn but then started doing that squeaking noise.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Unless it was a tire squealing, I still don’t think it’s right. If it was normal operation it would have wound up the driveline and popped and banged while it let the wind up free.

 

[rasouth]

I would find a dirt road and try engaging 4wd low again, just to see if it happens again. Listen if there is any clunking noise, if it makes noise going straight, turning left or right...do the front wheels engage...

 

[Mbrooks420]

I wouldn’t run 4 low on a dirt road.

 

[rasouth]

Where else would you use 4wd? I use my 4wd on dirt, rocky, muddy or steep roads all the time. The dirt would allow for uneven tire speed front to back and might help rule out tire squeal.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Mud, wet grass, and snow. 4 auto is fine for roads, but low really isn’t.

 

[rasouth]

All I am saying is that testing the 4wd low on a dirt road is better than pavement. It would allow for tire slippage. The dirt roads I am used to in California are loose gravel, dusty, sandy roads.