Knocking in turns, vibrating at speed

[lukeburris53]

I have a 97 Explorer 4.0. It has the Electric T-case with the auto, 4hi, 4lo options. It seems to not be disengaging the 4wd. It has gotten to the point that when turning sharp, something up front is making a knocking. Also while on the interstate about 60-65 the front starts to vibrate, enough to cause the wheel to shake.

What do you think it is?

I hardly ever use the 4wd, would just pulling the front drive shaft be a bad idea?

 

[dangerranger2008]

CV axle are bad

 

[feellnfroggy]

x2
it disengages at the transfer case, the front running gear remains engaged to the wheels though.


CV axles

 

[lukeburris53]

So you're pretty sure its the CV axles? Do they have to be replaced? What about just removing them permanently?

 

[Earl43P]

Yes, you have to replace the CV axles (pretty cheap @ ~$100 ea. look at RockAuto.com) or at least cut them off and keep the stubs installed (dumb idea, but some do that).

You have to understand, your 4WD will engage the fronts anytime the rear senses any slippage. That's why it's Auto4WD, instead of 2 Hi (unless you do the brown wire mod: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149388 )

Your vibration could be bad rotor(s), but your pedal should be pulsing when you hit the brake if that were the cause of the vibe. I've replaced a lot of CV axles for the symptoms you describe, not just Explorers either.

 

[feellnfroggy]

Vibration at 60-65 is balance and alignment, ill almost guaruntee it.

 

[redneck_rainey]

fix that fast! i had that prob. ended up bein the cv joint. after a few weeks of knocking it locked up goin down the interstate u dont want that

 

[feellnfroggy]

I bet that was fun, huh?

 

[Downey]

sounds like tons of fun