loud popping noise from drivers front tire???

[chico]

I have a 91 xlt 4x4 and i have a real loud noise when i'm in 4 wheel drive. It's coming from the drivers fornt wheel. It mostly makes the popping noise when i'm turning or putting alot of pressure on it like when climbing a hill or turning real sharp. Like i said it's a real loud popping noise. It has the stock axles,auto hubs. Does anyone know or might of had this problem and could possibly steer me in the right direction. I've never worked on a ford but bought a repair manual but it doesn't say anything about auto hubs. I'm kinda thinking that might be my problem. thanks..chico

 

[jgilbs]

if youre in 4x4, this is a normal sound. you should NEVER try tight turns while in 4x4(on the first gens[91-94 explorers] at least) this is the drivetrain components binding. this is VERY bad, and if you continue to do this u can break a tierod, or worse.... as for going up hills - it sounds like there is something wrong with your autohubs. it shouldnt pop under normal load. you may have a broken autohub(not surprising if you dont know how to drive it )

EDIT - heres a link to a page with some info on autohubs: Dead Link Removed

 

[chico]

Iv'e got to say thanks for the info first...but you don't have to be a smart ass kid about it. This kind of reaction that you gave me i'm sure is not what this site is about. Just to let you know...in Washington State...it's all about tight turns and knowing how to drive. (this is surprising to know this came from a college student..It's more like high school attitude)I've been 4 wheeling for years..this is just my first explorer. But again...thanks for the info..

 

[AlaskanJack]

for the record he is correct. When the front wheels get good traction and in 4x4 turning tight they bind and the popping noise is common. Kinda like being in 4x4 and making a tight turn in a dry parking lot you will hear the same thing. But the autohubs are a weak point just be careful and when you hear the noise don't throttle it and cause more damage.

 

[chico]

Thanks for the info...that's what i was wondering. i've never had a ford before and my isuzu and toyota has never made these noises at all and didn't know if i should be concerned or not. Thanks alot...

 

[jgilbs]

sorry if i sounded like an ass - i just came to check this site cuz i was frustrated that i cant find the source of my electrical problems(theres a short SOMEWHERE in the 20 miles of wiring I have installed for my emergency warning equip), so i was a bit irritable. frustrating day :fire: once again i gotta apologize, i see that youre a new member, welcome, and im sure youll find most people arent like me

EDIT - also, it is only first gens that do this. The ControlTrac traction control system was introduced in 1995, which eliminates "wheel hop" - but, in my opinion, also makes 2nd gens less of a "real" truck

 

[EliteConcept]

i think what jglibs ment to say was
"not suprising because auto hubs on 91-94's are complete JUNK"

 

[rocco123]

Yep, I agree. Auto hubs are junk. Switch to manuals. Not a big mod at all

 

[chico]

jgilbs..It's cool bro..i was getting frustrated too.

does anyone know how the stock locking hubs are?
thanks..chico

 

[jgilbs]

do you mean the stock manual locking hubs? they are stronger than the autos, thats for sure, but how strong compared to aftermarkets, i dont know.

 

[chico]

Well I finally swapped the hubs for manual locking and it was my problem. No more noises. Thanks guys, chico

 

[briwayjones]

EDIT - also, it is only first gens that do this. The ControlTrac traction control system was introduced in 1995, which eliminates "wheel hop" - but, in my opinion, also makes 2nd gens less of a "real" truck

Actually the 2nd gens will still do this. My 2000 does it and I had a 1996 that did it.

 

[HowDog123]

Hello all...hope I'm in the right thread. I have a 2004 Sport Trac / 4x4/ XLS - 240K on truck, about 100K on a used new TCase replacement. Brand new TC shift motor as of yesterday - My problem, and this problem has always been present with Sport Trac is that on slow turns, and while going down a steep hill, even when the truck was new that I get a popping/bang noise like its coming out of gear, or slipping the TC chain or skipping/popping out of a spline? This ONLY happens when in 4x4 HIGH or LOW - And when its in 4x4 HIGH it is much less severe. I do not use the 4x4 HIGH or LOW on dry pavement, I like to go off roading and know how to use the 4x4 secletor, and it has always done a bit of loud banging on sharp turns going slow while in 4x4 H/L But never has it done in 2 Wheel drive, and is not doing it in 2 wheel drive. What is causing this? I have read it could be the ABS sensors? Or the Speed Sensor? Could it also be the 4x4 control module? It is also having a hard time getting into 4x4 Low presently, I have to move the truck forward, backwards and finally it will go into 4 LOW...Of course I'm doing it in neutral, foot on the brake for LOW, it's the only way it will go into LOW...so we can eliminate that question.