4wd Problems / Noises

[Evan Hughes]

Ok guys I've got a 97 Explorer XLT and it goes in & out of 4wd no problem but it's making a growling / grinding noise while engaged in 4wd and it pulls kinda hard 2 the right as well while in 4wd the noise seems 2 be coming from underneath the vehicle towards the middle & it does it all speeds but gets louder the faster you go & it doesn't matter what road conditions I'm driving in / on or if I'm driving on a paved road or in a field it still does it all the u-joints seem 2 be tight nothing looks noticeably broken or worn out either its got new front & rear brakes new ball joints & tie rod ends with new front & rear shocks I'd like 2 hopefully find out what could be causing this before throwing a bunch of money at it hoping 2 fix it without somewhat of an idea on what could be causing this noise \ problem any help is much appreciated

 

[MrQ]

My bet would be the CV shafts. Also you shouldn't have the 4wd engaged while on pavement. Without the ability to slip the front and back tires the drivetrain takes a beating.

The other, more expensive POSSIBLE problem is the front differential, maybe a pinion bearing.

 

[Mbrooks420]

if it’s pulling I’d suspect a CV axle like mentioned above.

 

[Evan Hughes]

I've never had it anywhere but gravel and in a hay field in 4wd I saying pavement was easier at the time lol ill try changing the Cv Shaft & see if that helps thanks guys

 

[Mbrooks420]

Easier or not, I’d keep it out of 4wd high on pavement unless you want to start breaking stuff. It shouldn’t function properly on pavement as the driveline will just wind up.

 

[Evan Hughes]

I found out that the wheel bearing was the problem on the passenger side I pulled the old 1 off and it came apart when I pulled it thanks 4 the help guys

 

[MrQ]

I found out that the wheel bearing was the problem on the passenger side I pulled the old 1 off and it came apart when I pulled it thanks 4 the help guys

Ahh, good. I think we were a little thrown because you said it would only happen in 4wd, thus the CV shaft. But I guess with the extra torque from the driveline going into that hub made it act up worse.