Odd Rubbing Noise after using 4WD

Fane · Dec 19, 2014

Hello, this is my first post on here. I recently got a 96 v6 4.0 4wd ranger. I took it out into the mud today, it did fantastically. But after I turned off 4WD(and reversed to unlock the hubs) this sound started happening. First, it sounded as if my tire was rubbing on the car. I stopped, got out and looked, and nothing was there. And the sound continued. Then I was driving, and it made some loud clunking noise and the sound stopped. It starts and stops again and I am not sure of the cause. AFter it sat for maybe 45 minutes, i drove it in 2wd and it didnt make the noise anymore. Do you guys have any ideas?

dirtpit · Dec 20, 2014

your hubs may not have fully unlocked...I get a clicking noise when mine does that...I just engage 4wd again and then turn it off and do the back up thing over

RonD · Dec 20, 2014

Automatic hubs have a locking mechanism that needs to be lubed but not sticky.

Overtime the lube gets thicker and sticky so you need to clean them out.
The locking of the hubs has the engine power but the unlock is just a slide so can stick a bit.

It is very easy to clean these if you can jack up a front tire and remove it.
Good info here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/HubDiagnosis.shtml

You don't need to remove the wheel bearings, just clean out the old grease/lube and relube it, using very little, too much is a bad thing.

Fane · Dec 20, 2014

I took my truck into a mechanic(no not the the dealer), and they told me the CV joint connecting the front drivetrain to the transfer case is crushed. He told me it would be about a $400-500 fix. Have you guys heard anything about this before?

EDIT: also, do you think i can still drive it?

RonD · Dec 20, 2014

Yes, you can drive in 2WD, front drive line won't be turning

I thought Ranger used a double u-joint(Double Cardan) on the transfer case end of front driveline??

Explorers did switch the CV joints at that end, good pictures of work involved here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=406880

It would be similar if you do have the CV joint on your '96

Fane · Dec 20, 2014

RonD said:
Yes, you can drive in 2WD, front drive line won't be turning

I thought Ranger used a double u-joint(Double Cardan) on the transfer case end of front driveline??

Explorers did switch the CV joints at that end, good pictures of work involved here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=406880

It would be similar if you do have the CV joint on your '96

He said its two U-joints but then something in the middle. He told me it was a constant velocity. Idk, i dont knwo much about it.

martin · Dec 21, 2014

The double cardan joints have a ball between the u/joints that devides the deflection angle between joints. If it gets worn or the needle bearings fall out the joint will wobble about, but that usually results in a rattling noise. There is a repair kit available, but it depends on how badly the joint is worn on whether it will work or not.

Fane · Dec 23, 2014

So, I went to a new mechanic and he said the auto locking hubs are shot and need to be replaced. Which is what you guys and I thought originally. It makes more sense. Should I go with automatic or manual locking hubs for replacement? Im thinking manual to avoid problems like this in the future.

6.2 · Dec 23, 2014

Definitely.manual

hipoman · Jan 26, 2015

manual?

Going to a manual hub is not an option. I bought this 96 ranger for my fiancee so staying with auto hubs better. I boughtthis from the orinal owner who never took it off road & hasn't use the drive often . When i first test drove it had no problem when i went back to 2wd but the otherday i wasin 4wd to take my mom somewhere in light snow. Got home & switched to 2wd & backed up. The nextmorning before work i went to eat & then to work. No problem. Got off work & was almost home and whine that varied with speed started maybe right hub area. Went back to 4wd in the neighborhood & back out then backed up like i should. Better. Yesterday heard one spot of noise light clunk.today left the house & that sound around right hub made the same noise. I backed up and it went away. I did notice some noise if i turned sharper any insight?

Odd Rubbing Noise after using 4WD

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