2001 Explorer, XLXT. Transfer Case Noise?

[alpito]

I have a running noise that sounds like something hitting a high spot, or clunking with each revolution of the wheels. (not a growl) I was told it was wheel bearings, front two were replaced without helping. Brought to a different service technician, told me a rear axle bent, and accompanying wheel bearing also need to be fixed. So that's 3 bearings and it didn't do it. Now he says he put "ears" on the transfer case, and that seems to have a noise that could be it. The fluid was very dark in the transfer case, so replaced. So far I'm into this noise for about a $1000, and now I' starting to see a dark hole of by-guess and by-golly shotgun replacement costs. Does anyone think that the type of noise I'm talking about can be in the transfer case? I have no 4WD problems.

 

[Luvmysploder]

Same boat needing a solution

I've got the same problem, done cv joints, front axle, rear axle u-joints, rear seal. Turning seems to aggravate it a little more. Though I have to be moving and at low speed. Doesnt make any noise at anything over 25 or 30 mph it almost sounds like somthings hitting something else, right under my feet.

 

[swetrid]

Sounds like front diveshaft problem. There is a service kit to repair instead of replacing whole driveshaft.

 

[Luvmysploder]

been there done....

I've already replaced the front drive shaft. That wasnt too bad. I've done the driver's side cv and the u-joints in the rear. The ball joints look okay, outer tie rod looks like it needs replacing, i'll do that and report back. It

 

[alpito]

Front driveshaft

Is that at that short connection point where you would normally expect to find a U joint?

 

[alpito]

Noise Continues

changed u joint on front drive shaft. No change in noise. I suppose maybe something with transfer case.