My explorer nightmare!

[jakejeff]

O.k I have a 1994 ford x 4x4 i purchased 3 months ago and when i got it on the front driver side wheel there was a ticking/buzzing noise and the occasional clunk while driving in 2wd but perfect in 4x4 so everyone suggested I convert to warn manual hubs so...

My new warn hubs have been on for 3 day's the first 2 day's they worked perfectly now on my way to work i start to get a quiet tapping noise from the same wheel and the tapping noise sounds like its coming from the plastic switch you use to lock hubs
please help with this any suggestions?

 

[FMExplorer]

1st - be sure the hubs are unlocked when driving on the street.

2nd - it may be a bearing starting to go or the hub's spindle nut may have come loose. This is common while the hubs break in. Take the tire off and check to be sure everything is tight and check to be sure the grease in the bearings is still good.

J

 

[jakejeff]

The hubs are locked 100%

Everything is tight also?

 

[jakejeff]

That was unlocked 100%
oops!

 

[MyExpWork]

I would also check/replace the wheel bearings and seal. If that doesn't solve it, maybe one of the U-joints on the drive shaft is bad (although it doesn't sound like it) but you never know.

Brian

 

[jakejeff]

Any Idea how much for new u joints? also any other things to look for suggestions please!!!

 

[MyExpWork]

Don't know about the u-joints, but check the wheel bearings first. But, I just thought of something- when you drive to work you are in 2wd right? If so, it may not be the u-joints anyways because those are not in use therefore not spinning and thus should not be making any noise.

Another thought, try swapping the hubs. Maybe its a bad hub. Put the right on the left and see if the noise moves or not. If it is still on the drivers side, then start simple by checking the wheel bearings.

Another thing to try is to drive it without any hub, short drive (down the street and back) and be careful because everything will ge exposed, and see if it still makes noise.

Brian