92 Explorer still getting grinding/thumping noise in 4x4
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: The Poconos of PA
92 Explorer still getting grinding/thumping noise in 4x4
92 Explorer, auto hubs seem to be working fine (cleaned them anyway). When switching to 4x4 I get a grinding/thumping noise while driving at about 30+ MPH. You can feel it under your feet from the floor board. After switching back to 2wd the noise continues until you disengauge fully by backing up. The fluid in the transfer case is OK. I climbed under the truck and turned the front axle that exits the transfer case. It immediately locked the auto hubs in. There didn't seem to be much play in that axle. When I tried turning the front axle, (between the front differential and right wheel) it was also locked, but there seemed to be a pinging or grinding sound as I did this. There didn't seem to be play in the u-joint. The sounds seemed to come more from where it all attaches to the wheel. Does this make sense? Is it my front drive shaft u-joint at the right wheel, or something in the wheel? Or neither? Any guesses?
Thanks,
Joe
Thanks,
Joe
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: UT
"The sounds seemed to come more from where it all attaches to the wheel. " -- Have you pulled the axle and inspected the spindle bearings that the axle rides on? I haven't had to do anything with mine, but I know they are there, and some have had trouble with those little needle bearings drying out and going bad. It's said that they aren't too hard to change, if needed.
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Freshman User
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From: The Poconos of PA
I haven't taken it apart yet
But I guess that's where I'm headed. I'll have to remove the axle and check everything out. I was just wondering if the noise I described sounded familiar to anyone, so that maybe I could pin-point the problem.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: The Poconos of PA
Problem Fixed!
OK, the grinding/clunking sound while in 4x4 turned out to be the front drive shaft that exits the transfer case. Ford calls it the front propeller shaft and charges $515 for the new part. The shop (Lee Myles) thay rebuilt my tranny installed a used shaft and charged me $187 for parts and labor. After checking on the web, I could see that it wasn't a bad deal. Most places charge $175-$185 for a used shaft.
I hope this experience will help others in the future.
And thanks for everyone's input on this matter.
Later...
Joe
I hope this experience will help others in the future.
And thanks for everyone's input on this matter.
Later...
Joe
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