4wd noise

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Dec 25, 2004 | 12:26 AM

f-150 hot rod

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4wd noise

I used my 4wd tonight and noticed a grind/rattle noise. It only makes the noise in 4wd and is dependent on vehicle speed. I therefore don't think it's a wheel bearing but appears to be front axle/front driveshaft related. If i turn the 4wd off and back up, then go ahead again, the noise disappears. I noticed before that there is an exhaust shield very close to the front driveshaft, wonder if that may be rubbing or are the u-joints going bad in the front driveshaft? Thanks for any advice. Truck is 1998 f-150 XLT supercab with offroad package.

Dec 25, 2004 | 08:29 PM

KEVINS800

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From: ALBERT LEA USA

your axles will turn all the time so i think that you may have a transfer case problem? not sure though, have replace the front bearings on a few f150's but they usually have around 200,000 miles!

Dec 28, 2004 | 05:31 PM

f-150 hot rod

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4wd noise

I also noticed that after disengaging the 4wd(switch on dash), that i would have to back up and go ahead a couple times before it would come out of 4wd. I'm wondering if the u-joints in the front driveshaft are seized and putting tension on the 4wd not allowing it to disengage? Thanks for any replies.

Dec 28, 2004 | 09:03 PM

KEVINS800

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From: ALBERT LEA USA

there are no u joints in the front drive axles! they are cv boot style assemblies! the only u-joint are in the front axle that runs the differential! most 4x4 will take a little moving before they totally disengage!

Dec 28, 2004 | 10:12 PM

f-150 hot rod

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ummmm, I said front driveshaft, between front differential and transfer case.

Dec 30, 2004 | 10:44 PM

f-150 hot rod

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fixed

Today at work i checked the exhaust shield by the front driveshaft and it was definately rubbing on it. You could see the wear mark on the shaft. All it took was some repositioning of the shield. Put in 4wd and noise is gone, all is good now.

Dec 30, 2004 | 11:06 PM

Tom

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From: Isanti, MN

To be honest, I doubt it's a problem. I have an '03 with 14,500 on it, and it's done that since I drove it off the lot. It is enough to raise concern, but I believe it's normal.