4x4 issue

[xlt1993]

So as I'm sure all you know about the massive snow storm that almost everyone got boatload of snow. A great time to try out the 4x4 on my ex. Very impressive to say the least. My girlfriend fell in love with the ex even more once I took her to the store in the storm. We got 26" of the stuff.that being said,the only issue I've noticed with the 4x4 is that the drivers side front wheel knocks or bangs about every 1/4 mile. It's not a loud bang just a light thunk. When it spins a little it makes the noise as the wheel is spinning. I was told that the u-joint is going bad but have also been told the hub itself is bad. But there is no grinding or anything it grab fine just the occasional thunk when driving with the 4x4 engaged. Could this be a u-joint issue or could this be a bigger problem. Thanks in advance, Bill

 

[Gadget X]

First thing I'd try is taking the hub off and letting it soak in atf to get everything freed up good inside. Have you checked your radius arm bushings? That could be your issue as well. Good luck with it!

 

[malohnes]

Ujoint sounds plausible for sure but I'm inclined towards hubs as well. Could also be bearing related. I'd first Follow above advice and while that's soaking replace ujoints.

 

[xlt1993]

I know this may be a dumb question but where would the radius arm bushings be located? I know they're under the front end but not exactly sure.

 

[FR-425]

Never mind all that until summer.

It's the auto-hubs.

People tend to pack them with grease. Bad idea, grease causes them to stick, they are lubed with just a splash of atf.


There are NO rotating parts in the hubs, they just slide in and out. So a very light lube such as atf is all that is needed.

 

[RangerX]

I agree it's probably hubs. If you wanted to, you could remove the hubs and swap sides with them. Then see if the noise is on the passenger side.

 

[xlt1993]

I forgot to mention I have the auto hubs on mine. I will try the hub swap on my next day off since that wont cost anything lol.

 

[malohnes]

I know this may be a dumb question but where would the radius arm bushings be located? I know they're under the front end but not exactly sure.

May not apply at this point but so you know:
Follow the Radius Arm (RA) from where it mounts the TTB beam from the coil perch back to the frame crossmember. The bushings are there at the end.

 

[87xjmike]

I just blew an auto hub and it started clicking amd popping first for a while. Sounds like your hub. My autos only lasted me for 4 months of wheeling. Warns or nothing.