4WD NOISE

[MAVRICK513]

Yesterday I locked in the manual hubs on my '89 Bronco to get through the recent snowfall. When I put it in 4wd and started to drive I heard a few loud banging noises under the front end and then a loud sort of whirring or "zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz" sound, what I describe as an airplane sound. I got out & unlocked the hubs and the noises went away. I believed the noise was from the left side so last night I pulled the Left front hub apart. I found the hub was a little loose on the spindle. I carefully regreased and reassembled the manual lockout assy, etc. I test drove the truck for about 4 blocks in 4wd & everything was normal - no noises. This AM I took the truck to work & all the noises were back. I unlocked the hubs & the noises went away. Any ideas????

Thanks!

 

[MAVRICK513]

:blink: I don't know for sure, but now I think the transfer case may be low on fluid. With the hubs unlocked, I can put the truck in 4WD High and I hear the whining immediately. Now without the snow & muck splashing up under the truck (most areas are now plowed) I believe the noise is in the transfer case. I haven't checked the fluid yet - I was trying to avoid getting under the truck with the water & ice dripping on me. I will post tommorrow to let you know if it was just fluid level. But if it is - where did all the fluid go? Everything worked fine a few weeks ago & no signs of leakage (puddles). :blush:

 

[Broncoholics]

I was thinking low fluid level. Toss some cardboard under the rig and get a cressent wrench. It taked 2 min to check the level and is well worth knowing. Could be a u-joint or the CV on the driveine since you have been in lots of snow. Try greasing stuff up and check u-joints for slop. Take the front driveline off to see if it goes away. Then take off the rear and run on the front only. Once you take a few things out of the equation you can find it.

 

[MAVRICK513]

/emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Well, guess what. Fluid level is good. I originally took the left hub apart and checked it (It was fine). Last night I took the right manual lockout cap off and guess what - missing part! Either when the truck was inspected they left the outermost splined part out, or someone stole it in my driveway & put the cap back on. Either way, the right front won't lock. I believe the noise is the front axle shaft turning while the hub is not. I've got one coming from the local salvage yard. I should have it working again on Saturday.

Thanks!

 

[MAVRICK513]

Just an update on my 4WD noise for everyone: I got the missing part I needed for inside the hub from a salvage yard & it fixed me right up. No more noise & 4WD works fine! Thanks for the suggestions!