Post 4x4 Clunking Noise

[TJXtreme]

I have a '94 xlt. My 4wd seems to work fine until I disengage it. It seems like when I apply the brakes, up to a few miles later, I get a bad clunking/grinding sound and I can feel it shaking the brake pedal. The noise goes away after that until the next time when I use 4wd, where the cycle repeats. Is this a serious problem? What can I do to fix it?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[NightHawk]

Sounds to me like you may have a bad hub. Does it make any noise when you have it in 4 wheel drive? Or is it just when you disengage the hubs? I would check the hubs first. Hopefully that is not your problem cuz if you have the automatic hubs they are about $300-$350 a peice. And they are dealer only items. Good luck!

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Happy Trails!
'93 XLT
Many Mod's
http://members.efortress.com/swankmi/

 

[EB Bauer]

If it is your hubs you may want to check out the WARN Manual locking hubs. I picked up a set for $230 including the conversion kit. They are a much better quality and work great. The only difference is that you have to get out and lock them in place.

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Scott Bauer
'91 Eddie Bauer

 

[TJXtreme]

When I have 4wd engaged, there is just what seems to be the normal noises. I can hear it engage, and I can hear and feel it running. I dont hear the braking noise when it is engaged though, only afterwards. If this turns out to be my hubs, is this something that needs to be fixed, or should I just wait till my 4wd doesnt work anymore, then fix it?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[BarryM]

I have the exact systems you describe. Since I can make the noise go away by backing up, I assume the noise is happening because the hubs are not disengaging fully after using four wheel drive. I looked at both hubs and cams, and they seem fine, even replaced the hub and cam on the one side the noise seemed to be coming from, and the noise continues. My next step is to repack the bearings, and/or replace the hub on the other side, and see what happens. I'm just waiting for a warm day to do that.

 

[GJarrett]

Andrew, to follow up on what Barry just said, when you disengage the 4wd, do you put it in neutral for several seconds, then back up 10-20 feet before going forward in drive? If not, try that. Betcha it fixes your "problem".

Hope that helped.

Gerald
"Nerves of Steel; Brain of Chipmunk"
~~~~~~~~~
'99 Eddie Bauer 4x4 4.0L SOHC aka "The Jeepeater"
Mods listed in my Explorer Registry post 7/8/99
Dead Link Removed "What the heck is he doing out here in that thing?"

[This message has been edited by GJarrett (edited 03-29-2000).]

 

[wabbit]

As it was explained to me, on my 91, the hubs will stay engaged until you run it backward for 10-20 ft.
If you are moving and select 4wd, you can definately hear the system engaging, xfer case and hubs. You may shift out of 4wd, which will disengage the xfer case. Notice if you re-engage 4wd, there is little to no noise during engagement. The hubs are already "in".
The next time you back up (10-20 ft.), the hubs will disengage.
Hope this helps...


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'91 Explorer XLT 4WD

[This message has been edited by wabbit (edited 03-31-2000).]

 

[explorinit]

I have learned quite a bit about the ol auto hub setup in the explorer from the past year. Some of the best advice has already been given. If at all possible get WARN manual conversions. The auto hub design in the 91-94 model just was not sufficient to handle much off roading. If you do use the auto hubs, its important to disengage them after use by backing up 10-20 feet. If you notice a continuous pop or clunk when your 4x4 is engaged thats a sign that the hub(s) are going out. When its totally gone the 4x4 will just pop and clunk when under strain instead of turning the front wheels. At this point if you plan on doing much more 4 wheeling get WARN manuals, if you want to keep your feet clean take a trip to the junkyard and get replacement autos for about 75 bucks a pop.
Just my 2 cents!
Matt
'92 EB w/Boom

 

[explorinit]

Forgot to mention...
You may want to test and see if one or both hubs are bad. Take off the front wheels and the hub should come off next. Take off the hub and turn the internal gears. With mine I noticed a rough spot. You could tell it wasnt spinning smoothly. Also DO NOT pack the hub with grease. It is designed to work with very little grease, too much grease packed into the hub or on the spindle will cause the hubs to not engage properly!
If you have any questions post or email "explorinit@aol.com"

Matt
'92 EB w/Boom

 

[Turner55]

how hard is it to install the WARN manual hubs?

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'93 explorer sport 4x4

 

[JYoung]

I just replaced my hubs.This was a very easy replacement.I don't think it took even a hour to do.If you go to the main page and look under explorer tips.You will find what you need to know.I plan on trying them out this weekend.It cost more to go back with auto's also.Good luck

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jyoung 92 sport 33-12.50

 

[Tooicky]

The Warn Hubs and Conversion kit are very easy to install. You'll need a pen magnet or a pick, large slip-jaw pliers, and a ford 4wd four prong hub socket. When you purchase the kit, either refer to the instructions included, or look it up in the Explorer Tips

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'92 Ford Explorer 5-spd.
Manual Hubs, 30/9.50's MT

 

[BarryM]

I found out what was causing my post 4x4 clunk - turned out to be front axel u-joints. Passenger side u-joint was only turning in one direction. The drivers side was solid and/or missing some of those needle bearings, and looked pretty beat up.

I would suggest if you haven't already looked into it, maybe inspect those u-joints.

My auto-hubs are still working, plus I have a spare. As long as they keep going, I'll stick with 'em for now.

 

[Big E]

I just wanted to add a few cents. I switched from auto hubs to manuals. Other than the getting out and getting muddy they are great. I haave never found a time were thay didn't lock in. To install them is very easy. Just take you time and read the directions!!! I replace the auto's once and that is all it took for me switch over. I hope this helped you in some way if not, oh well.

Eric

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I would rather push a Ford than drive a Chevy!

 

[Dignan]

I just want to emphasize the point made about backing up. You should do it everytime you dissengage 4x4. You could run into some problems if you don't.

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If everybody is different, how can anyone be normal?

91 Explorer XLT
4.0L OHV V6

 

[lethal569]

If i were you i would change to manual hubs which r only $196 a PAIR at PEP BOYS. $300 to $350 sounds fishy i heard they wer like $250 a PAIR

 

[hybrid950]

someone has a set of auto hubs on ebay for $49. For 50 bucks it might be worth a try.
Dead Link Removed

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'91 Eddie Bauer
cylindrical K&N filter, removed air box,
Clarion Head unit,
JL 5X7s

 

[oharris]

Went through this hub battle with my 94, ended up replacing one auto hub. if you decide to try to get a used hub through a junk yard, please note 91-92 hubs are different from 93-94.

Oliver Harris

 

[J. Kennedy]

Re: Backing up 10-20 feet to disengage auto hubs. Is this necessary in all Explorers, or just up to 94? I have a 95, and I notice sometimes when moving the switch from 4x4 to 2, the 4x4 light on the dash stays on for 3-4 minutes. I thought this was odd, but as soon as it goes off I never questioned it... until now! Is this Ford's way of telling me to back up? Maybe instead they should have an idiot light that says "Back up, idiot!"

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J. Kennedy
1995 XLT