Whinning Noise in 4X4

[cllisanti]

Hello,

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer. It is equipped with 4X4. The past couple of snowfalls, I have driven the Explorer in 4X4. In turns I get a "whinning" noise from underneath the Explorer. The turns are what you would take to turn down a lane in a parking lot.

I took the Explorer to the dealer, and had them ride with me. The service manager said that the noise was normal. He said that the noise was coming from the transfer case.

I wanted to see if others with the 2002 Explorer had the same noise, of if I do have a problem.

Thanks, Charlie.

 

[Blee1099]

its normal noise from the transfer case engaing both axles. When turning, your inside tires will turn faster than your outside tires hence making the noise and the occasional binding. Try not to drive in 4WD on dry roads.

 

[cllisanti]

Thanks for the reply.

You mentioned not driving 4X4 on dry roads. I am getting these noises on snow covered roads. There is not an inch of pavement showing through.

Given this, would the noise still be normal or not?

Thanks, Charlie.

 

[Blee1099]

You should hear some noise when your truck is engaged in 4x4. Especially on snow covered roads. It could also be your tires.. If you lugs in the tires are snow packed, your tires will produce some noise.. That one thing I never figured out till I ran Rausch Creek Offroad park back in December. I went from snow covered trails onto a highway which produced a nice hum going down the road.

 

[cllisanti]

Thanks for all the information. I have had poor luck with vehicles. When I heard t is I thought I was going down a familiar road.

Thanks, Charlie.

 

[Forder]

I heard my 94' do the same thing tonight when I was coming home from work in 4x4 in the snow. It ONLY made that sound in 4x4 and it got a little louder with speed. It did it in 4low too. I never heard it before. I thought mabye hubs but I got WARN manuals and only had them a year so now way they're gone. My 4x4 was working great though so I wasn't too concerned, just annoyed.

I've never heard of snow doing that to a vehical. Does it do that to other vehicals too?