Problems when cold

[jackrogers]

Help. I have had a problem with my my 02 Explorer 4 x 4 when it is cold and the truck has been sitting for a few hours. When I back out of the driveway and cut the wheel I get a binding up a slight grinding noise. Once I get going and the truck is a little warmed up no sound at all. It makes no noise making turns live a bad CV. When I keep the truck in my insulated garage overnight it is perfectly fine. I jacked up the front end and noticed the front driver side wheel is noticeably more difficult to turn than the passenger side. There does not appear to be in wiggle or play in the assembly however. I'm thinking a sticky caliper or bad bearing. What do you think??

 

[manaen]

Bearings would get worse not better as they warm up. The caliper is possible, does the grinding stop/change tone when you touch the brakes? if it does not then it's not the brakes. Could be your power steering pump maybe time to change the fluid

 

[jackrogers]

Not sure if the noise changes when hitting the brakes, I'll have to try. The reason why I was thinking it was the bearing was because how tight the front driver side tire was to turn.

 

[manaen]

The resistance to turning could have more to do with the 4wd or the brakes then the bearings. If the bearings where that tight you would know it, and it wouldn't go away it would be making a lot of noise.

Wait a minute, you have a 2002 which is probably one of the AWD transfer cases ? correct? If so, they tend to make noise when turning sharp on dry ground. It is the fluid coupler in the transfer case when the fluid is cold. Is this a new (to you) vehicle? and is this your first winter with it?

I don't have the AWD system but I am guessing that this could all be very normal.

 

[jackrogers]

Actually I've had this vehicle since it was new in 02 and have never experienced this noise. I did change the transfer and front Diff lube a few weeks back hoping this would be the quick fix (wishful thinking).

 

[manaen]

Actually I've had this vehicle since it was new in 02 and have never experienced this noise. I did change the transfer and front Diff lube a few weeks back hoping this would be the quick fix (wishful thinking).

ok, just had to make sure before you go too far down the road and then realize this is a normal sound.
Did you have a chance to check the brakes?

 

[jackrogers]

well I would say the brakes or wheel beairng are not the issue. I had the truck sitting outside most the afternoon and just had a neighbor come listen to the thing when I backed out the driveway. He said the binding noise is coming from underneath. I checked the universals and there does not appear to be any play. What next?? I changed the lubes in the front differential and transfer case but not the rear end. Again once this thing is warmed up everything is fine. Should I try changing the lube in rear end? The truck is shifting into 4 WD fine with no noises or clanging so I think the Transfer Case can be ruled out but I am no expert

 

[manaen]

just because there is no play does not mean they are not making noise. You should jack up the truck so you can spin them by hand and feel if there is any sign of dryness/roughness in any of them. When they first start to go they will still be tight but the seals will be worn out and the grease will be dried out. Even if it is not the universals you should be able to tell where the noise is coming when you start to rotate things by hand.