4x4 grinding

[Chaostrain]

My 2000 Explorer XLT has started making a grinding noise in the front like gears are trying to engage and it has a hot gear oil smell. It started right after shifting to 4X4 H then back to AWD on the fly. Help!

 

[C420sailor]

Need more info. Smells like gear oil or ATF? Any leaks? Have you checked the fluid to determine whether it’s TC fluid or front diff? What’s the color and smell of the TC fluid? You’re running straight Mercon (not V) in the TC, right?

 

[XLTrunner]

Agree...first thing you need to do is check condition of fluids for clues. Hate to suggest it, but when mine started grinding (especially when turning), the TC required a rebuild.

BTW...these vehicles are either 4WD or AWD. If you're switching the dash knob, you've got 4WD. Yes...technically there is always a small amount of power directed to the front axle when in AUTO mode, but it's not considered AWD.

 

[J_C]

I'd drain 'n fill both the front diff and transfer case (and rear diff for good measure while you're at it), maybe it's not enough or too late but it will help the other of the two/three if they haven't been done in a long time.