4x4 issue?

[HondaKiller]

Hi, just a few issues with an explorer i bought at an auction. Its a 94 xlt 4 door, automatic tranny with manual locking hubs. I really like this thing and i want to bring it back to life. When i put it in 4x4, it seems to be fine until i turn left or right---then all i hear is metal on metal. Any help is appreciated!

 

[big_hoovie]

what kind of metal on metal sound? scraping? clunking?

what kind of terrain - hard/packed(asphault, concrete)...loose(gravel, dirt, grass)?

 

[HondaKiller]

clunking and scraping for sure----so far i havent been able to test it out on gravel or dirt....but even on asphalt, should i be hearing any clunking or scraping while im turning? or at all? i realize with 4x4 that there needs to be some give, but something is definitly wrong. Thanks, HK.

 

[DeRocha]

Sound like your stub axle U-Joints (closest the wheels) are in need of replacement. The lube will dry out over time and eventually allow moisture to enter which will turn the needle bearings to dust. Normally the u-joint will allow the axle shaft to move freely, but when it is bad it is very difficult to move and a source of the binding your hearing... Take a peak a the U-joint link in my sig for pics and info on replacing them. BTW I would also replace the spindle bearings while your at it..

 

[CodePoet]

Turning in 4x4, while on asphalt WILL cause clunks, and possibly even damage. Don't use 4x4 on dry or wet pavement.

 

[big_hoovie]

yes, you definitly do NOT want to engage your 4wd while on asphault. If you find somewhere with soft/loose ground, you can try it out. You don't even need that much space - just enough to turn your X around, so you can feel the front tires digging in.

gl

 

[Positive Vibes]

As stated NEVER use 4x4 on a dry road. Test your 4x4 on dirt or gravel.

Also seeing how you have manual hubs you can disengage them one at a time to find out which side the noise is coming from.

Could be one of your hubs, your bearings, the needle bearings in the spindle.

You can check some of these things by jacking up one tire at a time and seeing if there is any play.

 

[HondaKiller]

ok....im praying for snow---we were suppose get some today, but guess not. Have any of you guys had any problems with the power distribution box in the engine compartment? Im not sure at this point, but i think mine has a short somewhere cause ill go out to my truck sometimes and it wont start. At first, i thought it was my fuel pump, but after a little research i found out it had to do with my eec power relay----ill i did was jiggle it and the truck started. But lately its been a often recurring problem and its getting really old. Any suggestions?

 

[410Fortune]

replace the relay

the boxes can get dirty inside yes, also some of the clips that retain the wires may break too.

I assume the starter always cranks, you just get no start?

Fuel pump relay is also a commoon issue inside that box.

 

[HondaKiller]

yeah, itll crank and crank just no turnover----and i know when the relay isnt working cause ill turn the key to the on position, check engine light wont be on---ill go and jiggle the eec power relay *presto* now i hear the fuel pump humming and itll start. obviously the relay works right? cause those either work or they dont.

 

[410Fortune]

or they have a loose connection inside.

I vote for removing the box and giving it a nice once over to make sure all contacts are clean and wires are clipped in place.

 

[HondaKiller]

then thats what ill do, i appreciate the advice---ill follow up with an update as soon as i figure it out. Thx, HK.