funky noise in 4wd

[91rangerxlt]

i got a 2002 ford ranger edge with 4.10 gears, auto hubs and electronic 4wd. seems like everytime in in the sand in 4 low and i start to turn or really get on it it starts making a hell of a clanking noise like something is slipping or whatnot. the 4wd still works but it sounds like it coming from up front somewhere. do the cv shafts make noise? it dont sound very healty and i know my last 96 ranger didnt make no such noise.

 

[Byrd]

I'd check the boots on your CV shafts. If any are ripped, torn, cracked or otherwise leaking, you will more than likely have found your noise maker.

btw, unless you have swapped in some PVHs your hubs are neither auto or manual, they are 24/7.

-Byrd

 

[Ranger44]

Yeah. Check your CV's up front.

 

[91rangerxlt]

I'd check the boots on your CV shafts. If any are ripped, torn, cracked or otherwise leaking, you will more than likely have found your noise maker.

btw, unless you have swapped in some PVHs your hubs are neither auto or manual, they are 24/7.

-Byrd

its bone stock hubs lol so i guess they are 24/7 that means they are locked in 24/7 but the transfercase is not engages right? when it makes this sound is it causing damage or hurting it at all or is it just making noise? never had a 4x4 with cf shafts always had ttb

 

[Byrd]

its bone stock hubs lol so i guess they are 24/7 that means they are locked in 24/7 but the transfercase is not engages right? when it makes this sound is it causing damage or hurting it at all or is it just making noise? never had a 4x4 with cf shafts always had ttb

Yes, if they are bone stock what you actually have is whats called a live front axle. This means that everything up front is turning all the time (freely unless your in 4x, of course). The only disconnect is at the T-case. Unlike in the past where you had a disconnect at the hubs too. The "hubs" in these late model live axle Rangers only house the wheel bearings, wheel speed sensor, and the spline from the CV shafts.

"Is it causing damage?"
Well, that is nearly impossible for me to answer for you. I cannot see your truck so it makes it very hard for me to determine how serious the problem is.

However, if I had to guess, it sounds like a CV joint, which could potentially lead to some costly repairs that may not be needed right now.

Your best bet is just to slide under there and inspect those CV boots really good for any holes, tears or anywhere close to the seems on them that looks like it could be leaking. There is supposed to be a grease inside the boots (I believe ford uses a blueish green moly CV grease from factory, but I could be way off) but if there are holes, water can get inside them and make it look like they are leaking, as well as destroy the lubricating power of the grease.

In short, check the CV boots and report back with what you find. We'll go from there.


-Byrd

 

[91rangerxlt]

well i got under the truck yesterday and looked at em pretty closely felt around for holes or tears and could find nothing of the sort. the guy i bought the truck from only used the 4 wheel drive in the winter when it was slick and rarely even put it in unless he had to he just kept if in 4 hi. i use 4 lo when im pulling people out or in deep sand by the river and it makes the clunking noise when im turning or really getting on it. but like i said i couldent find any holes or see any grease leaking out.