91 explorer the 4WD system never worked today i tried turning it on and it worked for a little bit then i slowed down to a stop then it started making a click noise so i turned it off then in 2WD it is continuing to click but now in 2WD its making loud banging noises so now i have to drive around in 4WD so it just click and doesn't bang anyone have any clues what this can be? (the noise seems to be coming from the front)

 

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We will need more detailed explanation for the noises you hear. Right now all I hear you saying is some kidd is throwing rocks at your car. I know you are knew to this forum but really, if you called a mechanic and said only what you told us here so far, what do you think he would say?

 

sorry about that ok it makes a ticking noise which speeds up the faster you go and then it will be followed by 3 loud clanks then keep doing the same thing in 2WD in 4WD it just ticks and it speeds up the faster you go

 

So you're telling me again that some little kids are throwing rocks and then 3 big kids at the end of the road throw bigger stones?

OK the 2wd/4wd does give me a little, tiny bit of insight into your post. If you can manipulate a problem and see some cause/effect, then that helps narrow down the issue.

The auto locking hubs eventually wear and sometimes all you have to do is change the bearings in the end of the hub covers. Sometimes the hubs try to engage and click. Sometimes putting it into 4WD will go away. Doesn't sound like it's gowing away in your case. I think the "click" is th hubs and "bang" is the driveline trying to engage.

You should take a look at your hubs. Take the tire off and the hub cover comes right off. There is a plastic cam stuck on the hub itself. If this is broken at all it wont work right and will have to be rplaced. Inside the hub cover you will see some splines and 3 locating tips. The locating tips fit in the "vees" of the plastic cam. There is a bearing at the bottom of the hub cover, accessed by removing the c-clip you see there. All this is on pictures on the autozone web site. Or get a good Chilton or Haynes repair manual.

Sorry about the negative comments but it is really escential to get as much info as possible to help diagnos probelms. Even if you are not a technical person, you can at least describe that at 5MPH there is a click every 3 seconds and it sounds like it's coming from the from left wheel, or, when I push the 4x4 buttom on the dash when moving there is a big bang but when I do it at a stand still there is no noise....these are the details we usually need to know.

 

ok thank you very much sorry about the lack of info. i just got the truck for $500 and he said the 4WD system doesnt work so i figured pushing a button couldnt completely ruin my truck thank you very much

 

OK sure I guess. Can we help you? Solving problems is what we do here. I love a $500 car challenge. I gave you a little but I kind of expected a - OK it does this and then that response. Still scratching my head and getting mad that I didn't help you fix the problem. Please tell more so we can get you a hot rod $500 Explorer!

And pushing the 4x4 button when there is something wrong can have serious implications. Do not start messing with something if you do not know or can appreciate (accept) the consequences. Please tell us what is going on so we can help you.

Do you have the cash for a new front differential, say $1,200?

 

OK sure I guess. Can we help you? Solving problems is what we do here. I love a $500 car challenge. I gave you a little but I kind of expected a - OK it does this and then that response. Still scratching my head and getting mad that I didn't help you fix the problem. Please tell more so we can get you a hot rod $500 Explorer!

 

OK sure I guess. Can we help you? Solving problems is what we do here. I love a $500 car challenge. I gave you a little but I kind of expected a - OK it does this and then that response. Still scratching my head and getting mad that I didn't help you fix the problem. Please tell more so we can get you a hot rod $500 Explorer!

And pushing the 4x4 button when there is something wrong can have serious implications. Do not start messing with something if you do not know or can appreciate (accept) the consequences. Please tell us what is going on so we can help you.

Do you have the cash for a new front differential, say $1,200?

 

im going to check the hubs and stuff first then if nothing else happens would it be possible to rip out the front diff so i can just have it RWD and not have to worry about the 4WD cause i really wont need the 4WD

 

No you don't want to do that. It's a 4wd car and it's a great option to have. If in the next 10 years you only need it once, it will be worth it. Just check out the hubs and see what's going on.

I just R/R my front diff and it was a PITA for sure. This is niether easy nor fun. I had to since the RTV sealant final gave way and it was puddling oil on the floor.

 

well Jharger, we meet again.....

Mr 100p......
diagnose the problem first.... before replacing parts..... pull front drive shaft does it make the same sound in 2wd, if yes, I would look to the drive chain in the TC.

if NO, look at CV/universal joint on shaft. (front diff and shafts will be in idle position), then we can move forward and check the front axle and hubs...