Need help with 4WD/Front End problem

[jesusjones]

Hi to all, first post obviously, but I need some major help, so thanks in advance to anyone willing to offer advice.

My 4WD no longer lights on the push-button part of my 1993 Explorer. While I realized that something was wrong, it didn't seem to be causing any major problem other than the 4WD not engaging, so I have been putting off fixing it. Well, of course, I now have a problem where the vehicle pulls fairly hard to the right, and there is a fairly obvious grinding type noise coming from the front axle. I am assuming that this is related to the 4WD problem, but am not sure. Also, as I turned a right corner the other day, something on that axle caught hard and locked up. The problem left after I turned the next corner, but I can tell that this needs to be fixed ASAP. The truck seems to run fine engine-wise, but I am no longer confident in taking it anywhere.

Any clue?

 

[MrShorty]

The "no lights on the push button no 4WD" symptom is probably related to the shift motor. Quite common, and can normally be fixed by simply cleaning the shift motor.

The pulling to the right, grinding, locking in the front axle could be one of the auto hubs (assuming you still have auto hubs) trying to engage when it shouldn't. Possibly a result of too much grease in the hub, possibly the hub is bad.

 

[jesusjones]

OK, I'll give it a shot. How much work involved in fixing said problems?

 

[Tony H]

Just as a sanity check: I agree, probably two different issues.

The shift motor behind the transfer case ( looks like a windshield wiper motor) is usually the culprit for 'No light' http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123542&highlight=shift+motor+rebuild



The grinding Is more then likely you auto hubs pooped on one side so it is occasionally locking the wheels to the front axle. Replacing with same Auto hubs is $$ 300ish. Manuals are cheaper. http://4x4cyberstore.com/website/warn_hub_ford.html
These are the best price in town. Easy to do. Problem solved forever

 

[vandevyvere]

where can i find info on how to replace auto hubs, and are there any special tools you need and where can i find cheap auto hubs.

 

[Tony H]

vandevyvere, am I reading you correctly? Are you trying to replace Auto hubs with auto hubs or trying to replace auto hubs with Manual hubs?

 

[jesusjones]

Thanks for all the help! Turns out it was most certainly the passenger's side hub. The little plastic ring holding the spring had cracked, and after replacing the hub, the truck now runs without a major problem. I don't know if you can replace that plastic ring or not, but the rest of the old hub seems to be fine. Now I just need to get my alignment checked, as the truck does shake a bit when I hit 60 mph.

Thanks!

 

[Tony H]

Check the wheel balance before spending the money on the alignment. Less money and the balance does tend to go off after many miles on a set of tires.