4WD Issues

[PurpleHaze1990]

Hi all,

I know that there are a lot of threads on 4WD issues, but I haven't found one that fully describes my current issue.

My '92 Ford Explorer's 4WD has been questionable since I bought her last year, but I never experienced any true issues with it. It still has the original automatic locking hubs on it, which I cleaned out following the instructions given by a fellow Explorer forum member. I took her out for a spin today in the snow (it's been snowing like crazy in WA, that is for Pacific Northwest standards) and she did great. Up and down the hills, no issue whatsoever. Before I cleaned the hubs, she even managed to pull out a car that was stuck in the snow. I sure was a proud mama.

However, when I got home I noticed that my car was making weird noises. I had both 4x4 and Low Range activated to get down my driveway which is covered in a deep layer of snow. When I tried to reverse (with both activated) I heard the most horrendous noise and of my car wouldn't go in reverse. I eventually made it into my garage. When 4x4 and Low Range are deactivated, the car goes forward and reverses without issue. However with 4x4 and Low Range activated nothing seems to be happening. I can no longer hear the 4x4 "activation clunk" but I do hear it for the Low Range.

Any clues as to what happened? I did clean the hubs fairly recently and on a side note, I may have swapped the left and right hub because I wasn't paying attention. Dumb dumb. Is the amount of snow (over 10 inches) too much for this old gal or did my automatic locking hubs go out? I've been meaning to replace them with manual ones, but I'm not sure if that will solve the issue.

Thanks so much!

 

[gmanpaint]

Could be a variety of things, hard to say with the given info.

When you say.. "Wouldn't go in reverse" How do you mean? Like the engine was revving and the transmission acted like it was in Neutral, or like something was blocking the wheel preventing it to move?

The shift motor only turns and "Clunks" when shifting from High to Low range, not when you go from 2wd to 4wd High. The motor might not be turning all the way and jamming with it partially in gear. Ice does weird things to moving parts. Maybe let it thaw out all the way, and try it again after.

Sometimes the auto hubs get stuck on, and to get them to free up, after your back in 2wd, you reverse it for a few feet (10-30 ft).

There might be an issue with your transfercase. Finding out if it is indeed the case, takes some testing, and best with 2 people.

These tests involve going threw the gear ranges with wheels off the ground, and vehicle suspended safely. Turning the driveshafts by hand with engine off, putting the drive train threw it's paces with engine running, and in gear, with and without the t-case engaged. These are dangerous methods, and should really be done on a rack, by a shop. Since you say it is fine in 2wd, and if you have an AAMCO, they will do a free test and tell you whats wrong. Beware tho, they take parts off for free, but charge an arm and a leg to put back together, so don't let them take anything apart!!! lol

Anything else you can share, will help us help you.

 

[PurpleHaze1990]

Hi! Thanks for your reply!

So I went back out to test it again so I could provide accurate information. Things went a little better than earlier. Right now, the car goes in reverse and moves backwards in 2wd, 4wd and Low Range. Though I have to add that things definitely sound wonky when the car is in Low Range and the rear wheels seem to slip more. Before, when I tested the car, I was stuck in a deep pile of snow and the car would go in reverse, but not back up in Low Range (though it made that awful grinding noise) This time, the car was able to go in reverse and back up but only on clear surfaces/ice flattened areas and did not make that noise. Maybe it was simply too much snow for my Explorer to handle?

Right now, my driveway is so covered that I can't back up 10 feet before getting stuck in the snow, lol. I might have to wait for the snow to melt and then take her in to an AAMCO shop. There's one nearby where I live. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[gmanpaint]

Hard to say still. Could be the t-case isn't going all the way in gear, or the hubs are stuck in lock position.

Let it thaw out for a day or so, and try again first. Might be packed up with snow/ice is all.

Are these issues added to the similar issues, you was asking about on Feb 4th in the manual hub thread?

 

[PurpleHaze1990]

Thank you! I will keep my fingers crossed. She definitely did a bit of a belly slide through the snow while going down the driveway.

 

[DeRocha]

The torque multiplication when in 4x4 LOW range can easily overpower worn Auto Hubs and make the stub axle shaft slip/grind inside them. BTW the HUBS are universal and can be installed on either side. When you are reversing are you backing up straight or are you making a turn? The sharper the turn the more stress is applied to the U-joints which will definitely make them grind and chatter when on solid/dry pavement.

Basically if you are in several inches of snow in 4x4 Low the system should spin at least one wheel in the back and one in the front (the limitation of open differentials).