noise in 4x4 high

[daspud]

Hello all , is it normal to hear a fairly loud groaning / whining sound from the drivetrain when turning wheels on snow when in 4x4 high ? almost sounds like its binding but I know its not drivetrain bind because it is on snow and ice with plenty if slip available.I am used to broncos and f150s which have a different type of transfer case system. Just want to confirm that others hear the same type noise , dealer said its normal , but then again they say everything is normal and I have nothing to compare it to. Thanks in advance. 2008 explorer V8 4x4

 

[waskly]

from my experience the 4th gens in 4x4 are quiet.

 

[swetrid]

Make sure your tires are all the same tread depth and same brand.

 

[daspud]

Thanks for the replies , tires are all of equal wear and pressure. It does not sound normal to me , truck only has 12,000 miles. It has made this noise since new.

 

[FordService]

Hi daspud,

I would like to help you with your drivetrain noise issue. If you’d like me to look into this further, I would need for you to send me your VIN in a private message and I will do everything I can to assist.

Cory

 

[waskly]

Thanks for the replies , tires are all of equal wear and pressure. It does not sound normal to me , truck only has 12,000 miles. It has made this noise since new.

go look under the truck, at the front diff, any axle seals leaking? i have seen these trucks spin axle seals in the diffs, and they make a horrid sound. normally its the pass side seal.

 

[rgbarbato]

go look under the truck, at the front diff, any axle seals leaking? i have seen these trucks spin axle seals in the diffs, and they make a horrid sound. normally its the pass side seal.

what kind of sound are you talking about? like a humming or a clunking or what? i may be experiencing this...

 

[daspud]

Thanks waskly , i will check for that seal. It is a horrid noise but only when in 4x4 high , today it did it with very little steering wheel input , maybe 1/4 turn. Its a lound moaning groaning type noise. Like normal driveline bind if it were in 4x4 high on dry pavement , however I am on very slick snow pack. Waskly , the leak would it be coming from the end of the aluminum diff housing where the inner cv joint is located on the right side ?

 

[rgbarbato]

Hm ok mine does the exact same noise in 4x4 high too and my 4x4 seems as though it activates every time I accelerate from a stop. Sounds like our issues are similar. I just have to figure out why it activates all the time and how to fix it because it can't be good for the transfer case!

 

[daspud]

Are you driving in snow or ice covered roads are you in 4x4 auto or high ? In the auto setting it will activate when slip is detected , 4x4 high locks it in all the time.

 

[rgbarbato]

It's been a little of both really, does it regardless though. Activates everytime I accelerate from a stop regardless of road surface. If I pull the plugs on the 4x4 module though it doesn't make any noise, so something is telling it to activate when it shouldn't.

 

[daspud]

Sounds like maybe a faulty speed sensor. So yours makes the moaning/groaning
noise also , has it always done it or did it start when the other problem started ?

 

[rgbarbato]

Mine has always made the moaning noise in 4x4 high, I considered it normal. I had an expedition that did it when in 4x4 high and test drove another explored that did the same noise in 4x4 high. I flushed the diff fluid and transfer case on this explorer though and the noise is unchanged. I just can't get to the bottom of why it's always activated till 40mph, I'm thinking speed sensor too... I wonder what a good way to troubleshoot them is?

 

[daspud]

I guessing the 4x4 speed sensors are on the output shafts of the transfer case
near the driveshafts and when the rear is sensed to be spinning faster than the front the transfer case sends more power to the front. Thanks for the info on the noise , this is my first transfer case of this type with a clutch type system to engage the 4x4 . I had broncos and f150s that had a lever and mechanical engagement of the front output , no electronics or clutches. I think possibly the noise may be from the electronic clutch in transfer case im not sure. The only thing I am sure of is it does not sound so good.

 

[killitngrillit]

mine makes noise in 4x4 from the front end too. owners manual mentions that more noise is normal as more parts are turning. i wouldn't fix go looking for issues until it doesn't work at all! thats me tho

 

[waskly]

Thanks waskly , i will check for that seal. It is a horrid noise but only when in 4x4 high , today it did it with very little steering wheel input , maybe 1/4 turn. Its a lound moaning groaning type noise. Like normal driveline bind if it were in 4x4 high on dry pavement , however I am on very slick snow pack. Waskly , the leak would it be coming from the end of the aluminum diff housing where the inner cv joint is located on the right side ?

yes

 

[daspud]

Its 7 degrees here today , but im going to go under and check for that seal problem , thanks again waskly and all others who replied.

 

[waskly]

i would wait for warmer weather ... the noise, shouldn't actually affect 4x4

just my opinion.

 

[daspud]

Test drove a new 2010 today , made the same groaning noise as mine , what a relief to know its normal operation.