4X4 banging and grinding?

[ruste84]

I recently got my 4X4 working on my Explorer. As far as I know it hadn't been working for at least 2 1/2 years. I replaced the transfer case motor and thought the grinding and such was coming from the right front hub. So, I switched the autos over to manuals and it still makes the same noise. Is it from old age or could it be something simple like a wheel bearing?

 

[IZwack]

A bad wheel bearing feels like a jackhammer -- you really feel it

 

[ruste84]

Would I feel it when I'm just turning or all the time? Cause it is way bad when I'm turning.

 

[IZwack]

Typically all the time but yeah, it can be worse if you're turning as the bearing is loaded and unloaded.

 

[hunterdan]

A bad wheel bearing is not something to toy with. If you even suspect them, pull them. I've had one seize up on my old truck and almost put me in a ditch at 70 mph. And when they are bad, you can really feel it.

Dan

 

[ruste84]

Do you guys recommend a Manufacturer for the bearings?

 

[hunterdan]

I like BCA or Timken bearings. Be sure to pack them well if you do them.

Dan

 

[IZwack]

x2 -- Timkens are fantastic and BCAs are also great. BCA is one of the sub-companies of Federal-Mogul.

 

[DeRocha]

How was your truck riding before you fixed 4x4? If it is only making noise when 4x4 is on then I would suspect worn/frozen U-joints at the wheels rather than wheel bearings. Wheel bearings are rotating the same regardless if 4x4 is on or not. Over time the seals on the U-joints become less flexible and will allow the lubricant to escape and moisture to enter. The needle bearings will then being to rust and cause noise and vibration when 4x4 is engaged or the HUBS are locked.

 

[ruste84]

It was riding fine, but now I feel it when I'm not in 4 wheel only less than when I'm in 4 wheel.

 

[DeRocha]

It was riding fine, but now I feel it when I'm not in 4 wheel only less than when I'm in 4 wheel.

When 4x4 is off and the HUBS are unlocked do you hear/feel the noise when going straight, or when turning?

When 4x4 is off and the HUBS are unlocked the U-joints no longer rotate but will still articulate with changes in steering input. If the U-joints were toast 2.5 yrs ago (and the front axles haven't moved) they would have worn a pattern matching the articulation during steering input. Once you fixed 4x4 and the axle have now changed position the wear pattern would cause excessive noise/vibration during steering changes..

In any case you either have a problem with wheel bearings, U-joints, or HUBS. When you swapped in manual hubs how did the old bearings look? Did you repack them/when were they repacked last?

 

[ruste84]

The bearings looked okay. I didn't really inspect them thoroughly. I had them out about 3-4 months ago when I replaced the rotors. I had them out, cleaned, and repacked. They looked old, but nothing out of the ordinary.