I hear a noise when making a left turn.

[hayfrommt]

I have a question. I have had this on again off again problem for the past year now, of when I start to make a sharp left turn my ford has this grunging noise from the front and it acts like it's trying to engage in 4x4 at the same time it drags and pulls until I straighten it out again. It's now starting to do the same when I make a right turn. But it doesn't do anything going straight. Last year I had my transfer case replaced but they could not find a used one out of a junkyard the same year so they found a 94 that fit but they had to replace the driveline to make it fit up where it would work, and I have had no problems since then except after they did that on rare occasions it started acting up with this grunging noise going into a right turn. I took it back to the shop but they could not figure out at the time what could be causing it. At the same time I was moving to another city and they were so booked up with repairs I never took it back. Anyway also at times the 4WD lights flash off and on but not continuously when it acts up this way. Then in a day or two it stops. I guess this occurs about 2 times a month. I have no other problems except this godawful noise loud enough to attract atterntion and is embarrassing but nobody can tell me anything except for today I took an older friend of mine who used to be a mechanic and he said it could be a number of things like an axle bearing, or the ball joints, or the 4x4 sensor trying to kick the 4x4 into gear from an incorrect reading from the replacement of that transfer case, or a malfunctioning sensor somewhere. The CV joints look absolutely great the rubber is all very good, there are no leaks from anywhere that I or he could see, shocks are good. This vehicle had topnotch maintenance from previous owner and I have done the same even continuing oil changes every 3,000 miles . Transmission and engine is doing great but it is up to 161,599 and I bought it at 150,125 and the transmission oil and filter was changed by dealer before selling. I am at a loss anybody have an idea what is causing this noise or maybe what I can take a look at? Help!! I have to live on a disability income and I don't know what I am going to do if something major is wrong!! I have only had it for 2 years come Sept. It's my baby!!

 

[rhauf]

use paragraphs next time.


so you're '97 is four wheel drive, NOT all wheel drive, right? i assume the transfer case from the '94 was a the same cast? (you're original case was a bw1354 as well?)

do you have automatic locking hubs, always locked hubs, or manual hubs?

first thing i'd do is put it up on jack stands, all 4 wheels, and run it in 2 wheel drive.. see if the front wheels (or driveshaft) turn... in 2 wheel drive of course they should not be turning, if they are then the t-case is stuck in 4x4 for some reason.

if it's not stuck in 4x4, then i'd start free-spinning the tires (and turning the wheel one way and the other) until you find where the problem is. you could also put it in in 4x4 and turn the wheels left/rigth and have somebody listen to see where the sound is coming from.

could be bad bearings too.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've renamed your thread, and moved it into the stock 95-01 section.