Weird noises and weird solutions
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New User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7
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From: Arlington, Texas
Weird noises and weird solutions
Hello everyone, this is my first post. I have been here for a while but have only read all of the wisdom everyone has to offer. I now have a problem I really could use some help on. I have a 1999 250SD 4x4 Ext. Cab 7.3 PSD. My first one and I love it.
Here is my problem, I went out in the mud last weekend, truck did great. Now have developed some problems. Hearing loud noises from under truck and getting rather annoying vibrations. Usually happens when hitting a bump. It is gettting worse. At first I thought it might be a rock or something with the brakes. Pulled them off and nothing. Now I am thinking it might be the 4wd system, crankcase? I think this because when I switch over to 4w from 2w when driving, the truck acts normal. Go back to 2wd the bad things start to happen again. Another note, I believe my vacuum pump is out because I have only defrost and checked the system for leaks. I dont think it is working. Please help.
Here is my problem, I went out in the mud last weekend, truck did great. Now have developed some problems. Hearing loud noises from under truck and getting rather annoying vibrations. Usually happens when hitting a bump. It is gettting worse. At first I thought it might be a rock or something with the brakes. Pulled them off and nothing. Now I am thinking it might be the 4wd system, crankcase? I think this because when I switch over to 4w from 2w when driving, the truck acts normal. Go back to 2wd the bad things start to happen again. Another note, I believe my vacuum pump is out because I have only defrost and checked the system for leaks. I dont think it is working. Please help.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 226
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From: Brighton, CO
My first thought on the vibration would have been some slop in the wheels, but it sounds like you looked at that. Maybe a weight came off, and they're out of balance? And you're right about the vacuum pump. It goes out, or sticks on, and the system defaults to defrost. Either way it needs replaced. Unless you want to tough it out, mine started working again after hitting some rough washboard.
Welcome to the forum!
Welcome to the forum!
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7
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From: Arlington, Texas
okay if the hubs are stuck in engaged mode, how would i get them unstuck? If the vacuum fails would that unlock the hubs. i have the hubs in auto mode so they should not lock, but if the vacuum fails how do i get them unstuck if they are stuck.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
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just to se of that is the problem.Maybe you can jack up on side at a time and spin the wheel to see if you here that noise.If you do there is a snap ring that holds the hubs in.Take that out by sqeezing it and remove the hub just by pulling it straight out.now spin the wheel again to see if the noise is gone.If it is then there is your prob. also check the vacume lines that go into the wheel hubs make sure you didnt knock them off 4 wheelin or somethig.I had a problem with my vacume solenoid on the fire wall.I knock it with the but end of a wrench and it worked.Not a forever fix I do know i have to get a new one.Point being sometimes these solenoids get stuck and just need a love tap.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
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From: Middle Tennessee
Set your selector to 2wd and get under the truck Try to turn both front axles by hand. They should spin freely. If not, they are stuck on, I know, duh. Since I have full manual system, and my shop DVD is not in this computer, I want to say that you could unlock them manually at the hub.
Then trace your vacuum lines from both wheels and make sure they are connected and not leaking. Since you were 4 wheeling it is likely there. If you do not find it, then it is time to look under the dash.
Since you said your air is stuck in defrost, this is a dead giveaway of a vacuum leak. No ifs, ands, or buts. Just find and fix it.
Then trace your vacuum lines from both wheels and make sure they are connected and not leaking. Since you were 4 wheeling it is likely there. If you do not find it, then it is time to look under the dash.
Since you said your air is stuck in defrost, this is a dead giveaway of a vacuum leak. No ifs, ands, or buts. Just find and fix it.
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Arlington, Texas
Okay guys, I got under the truck today and checked out some things. I tried to turn the axles and they turn. Here is the bad part, the axle shaft on the drivers side is basically just hanging in the hole. Do I need to rebuild and replace the seals and bearings? Did the seals wear out?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,157
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From: Littleton, Colorado
You'll need to pull the axleshaft out and inspect it and the hub/bearing assy. for damage. If you're lucky, you might be able to clean everything up and reassemble it with new seals and 0-rings You won't know until you tear into it.
Good luck,
Austin
Good luck,
Austin
