locking hubs?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 29,909
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
There is an electronic shift solenoid on the t-case. They fail, and from what I have read, they fail often. In your case it sounds like it failed while engaged if you couldnt trace a hub problem. Mine failed in 2wd (Manual mile marker hubs, not efos) so it wasnt that big a deal. Its around $160 for the part and is a bolt in.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
There is an electronic shift solenoid on the t-case. They fail, and from what I have read, they fail often. In your case it sounds like it failed while engaged if you couldnt trace a hub problem. Mine failed in 2wd (Manual mile marker hubs, not efos) so it wasnt that big a deal. Its around $160 for the part and is a bolt in.
Good info, Tim!
Stewart
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
LOL, rep jail.
The rep system is set up so that you have to hit 30 people before you can hit the same person again. We call it being in rep jail.
Stewart
The rep system is set up so that you have to hit 30 people before you can hit the same person again. We call it being in rep jail.
Stewart
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: North Idaho
Hahaha ok I was thinking ......ummmm hahaha
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Yikes! I think it should be more like 10.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Clunking noise: Hubs? U-Joints? Or something else?
I apologize for digging up this old thread. I just couldn’t find any other thread that seems to address my problem better.
Last weekend I tried the 4x4 of my 2002 Excursion 6.8L for the first time. (bought it only 2 weeks ago)
<O
</O
The transfer case seems to work fine. But the automatic hubs apparently didn’t engage in “Auto” at all. At least there was no torque on either of the front wheels.
So I’ve switched both hubs to “Lock” manually and the 4x4 worked ok.
<O</O
Therefore a loud, clunking sound came from the left front axle (or hub). I wasn’t able to locate the source of the sound since it can only be heard while the wheel is turning. It’s pretty loud when the axle has torque, yet still audible when the 4x4 switch is back in 2WD with the hubs still being switched to “Lock”.
<O</O
My best guess would be a U-joint as the source of the clunking sound. As for the hubs I’d think that the vacuum-hoses are off. My truck has been lifted about 4-6 inches with dual shocks in the front. Could be that the hoses were to short and the previous owner decided to have them disconnected.
<O</O
This much for my guesses. I’m a newbie if it comes to the Excursion and I have no opportunity to work on my truck. I’m lacking the space and tools for it. So I’ll have to get the 4x4 fixed at a dealership and although I know the mechanics there and they’re very determined, they sometimes seem to be troubled when it gets to finding out what’s actually causing a problem. (yes, it’s a Ford dealership…)
<O</O
That’s why I would be very happy to get some ideas from more experienced Excursion-owners. Thanks for any help!
Last weekend I tried the 4x4 of my 2002 Excursion 6.8L for the first time. (bought it only 2 weeks ago)
<O
</OThe transfer case seems to work fine. But the automatic hubs apparently didn’t engage in “Auto” at all. At least there was no torque on either of the front wheels.
So I’ve switched both hubs to “Lock” manually and the 4x4 worked ok.
<O
</OTherefore a loud, clunking sound came from the left front axle (or hub). I wasn’t able to locate the source of the sound since it can only be heard while the wheel is turning. It’s pretty loud when the axle has torque, yet still audible when the 4x4 switch is back in 2WD with the hubs still being switched to “Lock”.
<O
</OMy best guess would be a U-joint as the source of the clunking sound. As for the hubs I’d think that the vacuum-hoses are off. My truck has been lifted about 4-6 inches with dual shocks in the front. Could be that the hoses were to short and the previous owner decided to have them disconnected.
<O
</OThis much for my guesses. I’m a newbie if it comes to the Excursion and I have no opportunity to work on my truck. I’m lacking the space and tools for it. So I’ll have to get the 4x4 fixed at a dealership and although I know the mechanics there and they’re very determined, they sometimes seem to be troubled when it gets to finding out what’s actually causing a problem. (yes, it’s a Ford dealership…)
<O
</OThat’s why I would be very happy to get some ideas from more experienced Excursion-owners. Thanks for any help!
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
I was trying the 4x4 in deep sand.
Since we don't have any dirt roads or other appropriate surfaces here in Orange County, it was the first occasion to test the 4x4.
Otherwise I might have found out earlier.
Since we don't have any dirt roads or other appropriate surfaces here in Orange County, it was the first occasion to test the 4x4.
Otherwise I might have found out earlier.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
First I would make sure that the POS OE locking hubs aren't causing this to happen. I had an instance where the hub on one side wasn't locking all the way and that was causing noise. Unlock both hubs and turn the u-joints by hand. The axle should spin with just a bit of effort. If they do and the u-joints look good I would replace the stock hubs with some nice Warn or Mile Marker units (I had the MM on mine).
