94 Explorer 4 wheel drive problem

[madisons_mommy_2]

Please help me! I have a 1994 Ford Explorer and recently i locked it in to 4 wheel drive, when i unlocked it it seemed to be fine until i turn a corner, then its like one side locks in and it makes an awful "Grinding"noise. and when u drive it gets faster and sounds like something is spinning/ ticking... I dont know its hard to explain. It does it when i turn right or left, now. If you stop and back up it and then go forward it stops, until you turn a corner again. Sometimes it just makes the grinding noise as you turn and doesnt make the ticking type noise continuously. When you slow down after it starts the Ticking noise it will pop as if its trying to disengage or something.the 4 wheel drive lights are NOT on, and dont come on unless i push the button... i am a single mom and cant afford to take this problem to a dealership. I am hoping someone on here will have the Solution to my problem!!!this is my only vehicle and i cant afford something different.:exp:

 

[DeRocha]

Your problem is common and points to problem with the automatic HUBS. The failure could range from minor (simple cleaning), up to including a new hub. Any clicking, buzzing, or ratcheting noises indicates the hub activation cam is trying to lock the hub. A huge NO NO is to pack hubs with grease. Unfortunately lots of people don't know any better and do so.. Grease causes the hub to become hydrolocked causing all kinds of engagement problems.

Check out 4x4 Troubleshooting guide for more info..

 

[protomind]

Hmm mine are giving this problem too, now to find a good cleaning tut