4x4 Vibration/Roar

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Dec 27, 2003 | 11:41 AM

ldgrate

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From: Georgia

4x4 Vibration/Roar

I have an '00 V10 4x4 with about 85k miles on it, and recently when you exceed about 45 MPH their is a distinct vibration coming from under the truck, it is noticibly less in 4WD then in 2WD, but is apparent in both. As you increase in speed it gets progressivly worse. This truck had a porus transmission case when new (leaked after 4k every time the front seal was changed, very frustrating), and it took 25k to get this resolved and replaced with a new tranny, it also had a transfer case replaced at around 20k because of a high pitched wine that developed, after this it has been flawless until now. Fluid was changed at about 60k with Mobil 1. Just wondering if anybody has seen anything similar or has any ideas on a way to isolate the problem. Thank God I have a 100k extended warrenty, so it will get fixed, but I haven't had the best luck with local dealerships if I can't point them in the right direction. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Dec 27, 2003 | 06:45 PM

OVERx2

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Hi,
this sounds very simple on the surface (not being able to look at the situation physically) I would have your mechanic look at the rear u- joints, the one closest to the axle usually starts to fail first. If there is any playat all in that one, it would produce the same effect you're describing.
Most 4 X 4s are designed with a little "pull" on the front end gearing to decrease the tendancy to overstear in a turn in 4WD. that would account for the reduction in noise in 4wd.
Mike

Dec 28, 2003 | 01:27 PM

ldgrate

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From: Georgia

Thanks for the idea, I did check both the front and rear shafts, and low and behold, no worn UJoints, but the passenger side hub is apparently stuck engaged. I guess my question is, how difficult is it to fix one, and what normally causes this condition? Id rather not spend $50 for the deductible on my warrenty to have them tell me it either isn't covered under the warrenty, or they just cleaned it up, or as has been common, have them mess something else up in the process. Is there any information on the site on what is required to check one out? Any help would be appreciated.

Dec 28, 2003 | 01:28 PM

ldgrate

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From: Georgia

One other question, will I mess anything up driving it while waiting for time to get to it? It has 3.73:1 limited slip differentials.

Dec 29, 2003 | 05:55 PM

OVERx2

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Is it stuck internally, or is the selector stuck in the locked position?

If the selector is stuck, I will be able to give you an answer tomorrow, as I just got my X Friday, and I locked the hubs and took a couple lapps around the block to lubricate the front end (spins the front diff. w / out putting it in 4wd) Apparently, this had never been done by the previous owner, because the passenger side lock was nearly impossible to turn. When I turned it back to free, part of the o-ring squirted out. It had dried and stuck on the selector, which was the reason for the stiffness. I am off work untill after new years, so I intend on taking off the cap tomorrow morning and greasing and / or replacing the ring as needed. I'll reply afterwards.

If this is the case, I would lock the other hub untill work is done, your gas milage might go down a bit, but with one hub locked, you are giving the spider gears a real work out and if you actually have limited slip on the front end, it's trying to drive the other side through the clutches.

If it is locked up (stuck) internally, you may wish to dig out the warranty and see if that's covered.

Hope this helps,
Mike

"00 4X4 LTD

Dec 29, 2003 | 08:40 PM

ldgrate

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From: Georgia

It is stuck internally, I have tried turning the selector to lock and back to Auto a few times to see if it would free itself, to no avail. I did go ahead and lock the drivers side until I can take a look at it. I will have to look at the warrenty, but any insight you can give me on how complicated it is to disassemble and inspect would be appreciated. I am pretty handy, but have never had to deal with a locking hub of any kind before. I would love to know what you find on yours, thanks for the help

Dec 30, 2003 | 05:28 PM

ldgrate

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From: Georgia

Well...

I removed the center cap on the front wheel, and then the spring clip, and the center hub pulled right out, when it did I heard a pop, and apparently whatever was stuck broke free. I tried turning the mechanism from unlock to lock a few times rotating the inner part from the outer, and it locked and unlocked freely. Go figure

, so I put it back on and all appears well. I looked at the o-rings on mine, and they appear in good shape.

Hopefully it won't hang again. One note, it is kind of scary what is tying the drive shaft to the hub, a rather simple ingenious design, I just hope it's beefy enough. It must be, nobody seems to complain about them. Hope this helps somebody.

Larry