4WD Noise
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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4WD Noise
I posted up about a month ago about the noise that my 4wd makes, i could not explain it to well so i recorded it and this is what i came up with:
2011-12-11_13-59-04_876.mp4 video by openexcess - Photobucket
I drive with my hubs locked (the hubs were swapped for manual Superwinch hubs) and it makes no noise. only when it the dash switch is set to 4wd does it make this noise. i put it on a lift and ran it with wheels off the ground and it makes no noise, Hubs have been inspected and are in GREAT condition.. Any ideas? I live in Alaska and REALLY need my 4wd. its a 2004 F250 6.0PS Crew cab with Auto tranny.
2011-12-11_13-59-04_876.mp4 video by openexcess - Photobucket
I drive with my hubs locked (the hubs were swapped for manual Superwinch hubs) and it makes no noise. only when it the dash switch is set to 4wd does it make this noise. i put it on a lift and ran it with wheels off the ground and it makes no noise, Hubs have been inspected and are in GREAT condition.. Any ideas? I live in Alaska and REALLY need my 4wd. its a 2004 F250 6.0PS Crew cab with Auto tranny.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 668
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From: Northfield, MI
Does the 4WD work, as in does it actually put good torque to both front wheels if you hammer on it? Sounds to me like a hub lock that isn't engaging completely or a problem in the t-case. Does the truck have a lot of miles on it? I would be looking at a t-case issue, incomplete shift or loose chain.
Does it make the same noise in 4-low?
Does it make the same noise in 4-low?
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Joined: Oct 2011
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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Not yet.. Only thing I can think of is the hubs.. they are superwinch manual hubs. Someone told me that They are not greasable. But im going to tear apart both sides and check it out
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From: SE Georgia
I'm not convinced it's your hubs
if it was, you would hear the noise 100% of the time when you had them locked in. That line of reasoning also makes me eliminate the entire front axle and driveshaft. I say this because the whole assembly is spinning whenever the front hubs are locked in...and you say you only hear noise when the t-case is in 4x4
pop the front driveshaft off, tires off the ground and do a test run with the t-case in 4x4hi. If you still hear noise, you know it's the t-case
if it was, you would hear the noise 100% of the time when you had them locked in. That line of reasoning also makes me eliminate the entire front axle and driveshaft. I say this because the whole assembly is spinning whenever the front hubs are locked in...and you say you only hear noise when the t-case is in 4x4
pop the front driveshaft off, tires off the ground and do a test run with the t-case in 4x4hi. If you still hear noise, you know it's the t-case
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I ran the truck with the tires off the ground and it makes no noise. I can drive the truck in 4hi or 4lo with the hubs unlocked and it doesnt make noise. the only time it makes noise is when the hubs are locked.
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Ok just a little update.
1.) I swapped out the Superwinch hubs for stock hubs so the front end is back to stock.
2.) I drained the front differential fluid and inspected it. (no abnormal wear) refilled with Synthetic.
3.) I pulled apart the front drive shaft and greased the slip yolk.
The noise is still there. If I am on a flat surface and just cruise the noise is louder. if I step on the gas or go up hill (when there is tension) the noise goes away. I still leave the hubs locked at all times and no noise unless it is in 4wd. Any ideas?
1.) I swapped out the Superwinch hubs for stock hubs so the front end is back to stock.
2.) I drained the front differential fluid and inspected it. (no abnormal wear) refilled with Synthetic.
3.) I pulled apart the front drive shaft and greased the slip yolk.
The noise is still there. If I am on a flat surface and just cruise the noise is louder. if I step on the gas or go up hill (when there is tension) the noise goes away. I still leave the hubs locked at all times and no noise unless it is in 4wd. Any ideas?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 334
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From: Michigan
To me that really is sounding like a universal some were in the system. It would make sense that there wouldn't be any noise under load because every thing is free wheeling. The universal could still be reasonable tight but lacking grease which would create noise. Sounds like your hubs check out and if you t-case is quite and full of fluid then I would be seriously examining the u-joints if it were me.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 146
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From: Northwest
I had the same thing just crop up recently on my rig but doesn't sound as loud. 4 hi / low makes no difference in noise level or rhythm.
I have stock hubs, manually locked in.
I've been following this thread closely for the solution; keep the ideas coming.
I have stock hubs, manually locked in.
I've been following this thread closely for the solution; keep the ideas coming.
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