Wierd feeling 4 wheel drive

[EMT Joshua]

Was wondering if anyone has had this problem and could offer some suggestions about it.

First of all my 4x4Low doesn't work for some reason but when I am running 4x4High and am turning at a low speed, such as when turning into a parking spot in a parking lot, there is a wierd feel and sound coming from somewhere. It almost sounds like the tire is rubbing on the wheel well liner and there is a clunking feel too. It's this rubbing, clunking, grinding sensation. Sorry if that sounds wierd but it's hard to explain it exactly.

I'm running a 98 X Sport 4x4.

Any suggestions about these problems would be helpful.

Spanks everyone.

 

[RickOTR]

This is common as the two front wheels are gripping the paverment at different speeds. It's not a good idea to be running 4X4 on dry surface streets. Only use 4X4 offroad or in the snow, or you could end up destroying your 4X4 system

 

[rhyno]

Also, are you shifting to 4x4 lo while in nuetral or park with your foot on the break?

 

[Jonny813]

That happened to mine yesterday... Conincidently I fixed my 4x4 somewhat yesterday (wasn't working at all, no power to front wheels)... I have to rebuild the motor again so I can get 4 Lo back... Even though I rarely use it.

Someone correct me if Im mistaken(still learning about Ex's 4x4)... Isnt this clunking sound/feeling he is talking about... locked hubs? Since he had it in 4High and presumably he has Auto hubs that is the problem? I encountered that yesterday, before I was fixing/playing with my 4x4 and I think when I switched it back into auto the hubs didn't unlock untill i switched it back and then back again a 2nd time at a stop.

 

[briwayjones]

The auto hubs will clunk when engaging and disengaging. The sounds he was having is different I think. His was from turning in 4wd on a dry surface and the 4wd linkage was binding up making noise.

 

[Blee1099]

You are probably feeling the resistance from the front end when the 4wd is on. Remember that the outside wheels travel a farther distance compared to you inside tires when turning which can cause wheel hop & other sounds & experiences. Make sure you have your foot on the brake before switching into 4LO otherwise it won't work. You will hear a clunk when it engages in 4LO. And regarding locked hubs & stuff. He doesn't have lockable or automatic hubs in the 4 wheel drive sense. He has CV axles which are constantly spinning.

 

[EMT Joshua]

I only am running 4x4 when its snowing out and the noises I hear and feel are happening on both wet and dry pavement.

 

[TPLYNCH]

That happened to mine yesterday... Conincidently I fixed my 4x4 somewhat yesterday (wasn't working at all, no power to front wheels)... I have to rebuild the motor again so I can get 4 Lo back... Even though I rarely use it.

Someone correct me if Im mistaken(still learning about Ex's 4x4)... Isnt this clunking sound/feeling he is talking about... locked hubs? Since he had it in 4High and presumably he has Auto hubs that is the problem? I encountered that yesterday, before I was fixing/playing with my 4x4 and I think when I switched it back into auto the hubs didn't unlock untill i switched it back and then back again a 2nd time at a stop.

Jonny you don't have the Auto Hubs. They only existed from '91 thru '94. Your "hubs" are sealed units that are continuously engaged. There is no reason for you to back up to "disengage". Again, that is only applicable to '91-'94 Explorers.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Joshua, you will get noise in 4x4, even on slippery surfaces if you are doing a sharp turn. Just the nature of the beast. As stated above, do not use 4x4 high or low on dry or even wet pavement, except for short/straight distances. It should be used only on loose/slippery (mud/sand/gravel) or snow covered surfaces.

 

[Jonny813]

See I told you Im still learning... and now I need to learn what my problem is.

Well I have a similar-sorta problem, that I really noticed today(badly)... Like I said above I just got my 4x4 working again. Well its been driving fine all yesterday and just today I go to back out of a parking spot and my car starts to bog down(physically as if there is something thats stopping it... So I drove it back to my shop, tried to back into a parking space, and the same thing happened. I can back up straight just fine. It only happens when I start to turn and it the front wheels start to "hop" and the car starts to choke and almost stall. This is all when in 4 Auto... or atleast when I switch it the dash tells me its 4 Auto...

 

[outhouse]

Doubt you have a lot of snow to try it on 813 but take it to the beach or find some good, deep and wet mud and see if you have the same problem.

I think not - don't use your 4WD mode on dry or wet black top, unless you like repairing transmissions and want to get to know the guys at your local tire place a lot better.