4WD auto and Low malfunction

[KBGT2000]

Hey im new to the explorer scene and just picked up a 1996 eddie bauer explorer with 122K miles on it. Its fully loaded with the 2wd, 4wd auto, and 4wd low options on the car. The car runs great and smooth in 2wd but in 4wd auto after about 40+mph it starts to buckle like something is getting hung up.. Sounds like metal to metal contact like rotors with bad brakes but doesnt seem to be the braking system. ALso the 4wd Low pops, binds, and bumps like its either not fully engaged or having problems engaging. This has only been tested twice from rolling down a hill in nuetral for a couple feet and being driven down 20feet. Ive been looking on the forum for answers but not sure what to look for. Transfer case rebuild? change fluid? Any bit of information would be a great help.

 

[KBGT2000]

bump.

Doesnt sound like grinding of gears or anything but doesnt seem like the car is fully engaging my 4wd low maybe? Is that what the bucking that im getting in low is coming from? Im hoping this isnt a bad sign of a expensive repair.

 

[IZwack]

Never use 4wd on dry pavement -- it will bind, pop, gurgle, and so on. It will also lead to damage to the transfer case

As for the 40+mph problem, temporarrily remove the front driveshaft and see if that makes the noise go away. If it does, look at the tire pressure, make sure they are the same pressure (and wear). Premature wear and uneven tire pressure will register to the computer as a tire rotating at a different RPM than the others which causes the systemt to engage 4wd.

Also try looking at the "Sticky" threads in this section of the forum - lots of info there.

 

[KBGT2000]

Never use 4wd on dry pavement -- it will bind, pop, gurgle, and so on. It will also lead to damage to the transfer case

As for the 40+mph problem, temporarrily remove the front driveshaft and see if that makes the noise go away. If it does, look at the tire pressure, make sure they are the same pressure (and wear). Premature wear and uneven tire pressure will register to the computer as a tire rotating at a different RPM than the others which causes the systemt to engage 4wd.

Also try looking at the "Sticky" threads in this section of the forum - lots of info there.

Thanks for the info. I have been lerking around on the site trying to find answers and read up on the 4wd low.

As far as the 40+ mph problem it sounds like bad brake pads rubbing on the rotor (metal to metal) and pulls to the left and it somewhat binds as well... Otherwise the 4wd drive is great at any lower speeds and has been doing really well in the snow we have been for the past couple days.

Tire pressure has been checked and is all at the same pressure and wear is the same.