4X4 Problem at slow speed turning

[AG19106]

I am having an issue with my 4WD only when it is engaged in either High or Low and I am slowly turning as in parking. The front wheels shudder and feel like they are binding. During higher speeds the 4WD high seems fine.
I have been driving for the past 2 years in AUTO with no issues. This only happens when engaged in High or Low at those slow speeds and turning.
Any ideas on what this could be or where to even start thinking about?? Any help is appreciated

 

[alohamonte]

Turn 4x4 off when on dry pavement doing tight turns!!!!

 

[Flash]

It's totally normal and the main reason there's a 4wd off switch.

It shouldn't happen on a soft surface but if the surface isn't soft why do you have 4wd engaged?

When you turn, all 4 of your wheels are going at different speeds as they describe different sized circles; the transfer case gets all bound up.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Turn 4x4 off when on dry pavement doing tight turns!!!!

Yep. What you're experiencing is normal because it's binding exactly as you described. 4x4 should not be used on dry pavement, especially when turning as into a parking space. I was worried just like you are when I got my Bronco II and it felt like there was large gravel between the tires and pavement. I thought something serious was wrong, but later found out it's normal.

 

[AG19106]

Thanks for your quick response and answers! I had someone looking to buy my vehicle so they were trying the 4WD. Of course I have had this Explorer for 15 years and only used the Auto 4WD feature and never had it in 4WD unless on snow so I did not know this information. I thought this was strange since I had the Trans and 4WD checked and serviced at 142K miles and that was only 10K miles ago. Thanks again for the information!!!!

 

[OffTrac]

Just be sure to not let the next potential buyer do that.

 

[perryrich]

It's totally normal and the main reason there's a 4wd off switch.

It shouldn't happen on a soft surface but if the surface isn't soft why do you have 4wd engaged?

When you turn, all 4 of your wheels are going at different speeds as they describe different sized circles; the transfer case gets all bound up.

I'm experiencing this problem, but my 4WD isn't engaged, the switch stays in the AUTO position. Does this indicate a problem in my transfer case ?

 

[Flash]

I'm experiencing this problem, but my 4WD isn't engaged, the switch stays in the AUTO position. Does this indicate a problem in my transfer case ?

It might. More likely it's the range shifter motor.
There's articles on how to fix it on the forums, do a search.

Or it might be the CVs.

 

[Flash]

Just be sure to not let the next potential buyer do that.

Unless it's on a soft or loose surface like grass or gravel.

 

[C420sailor]

I'm pretty sure the owners manual even warns against this. Unless I'm going no-kidding offroad, or there's a good layer of snow on the road, I stay out of 4x4.