Popping/binding while turning

[chrisb12002]

Hello all, I have a 2000 4.0 4wd(auto) with 57k miles. It makes a popping noise while turning left or right at low speeds, also while taking off from a stop it pops once. It also makes a howling/whining noise when i slow to a stop. I thought is was the driver side half shaft because i could feel it in the floor pan. I replaced it and there is no difference. While i had it apart i inspected the hub. the bearing was tight and did not catch. Fluid levels are fine also when putting it in 4 hi or 4 low i can hear it changing, which i could not when i got it a year ago. Please help, i was going to replace the other half shaft but wanted to see what every one thinks.

 

[JohnJ]

Have you checked your ball joints? It could explain the popping.

 

[chrisb12002]

ball joints are good. also make a growling sound like a bearing but the wheel bearings seem tight and dont have any catch

 

[chrisb12002]

I took the drivers side half shaft out(new). I took my old shaft and cut it down, put the cupped end into the diff and the hub cup side through the hub. I took it out for a drive and no popping. I went and swapped out the axle for another one put it in and still getting the popping/binding. To me it sounds like there might be a problem with the spider gears in the diff. Im almost tempted to to remove the front drive shaft and but the passenger side shaft and have a 2wd

 

[brianjwilson]

Or, maybe just try to fix the problem...? The diff isn't hard to drop. Take it out and have a look, or drop it off with a gear shop..