snapping noise in 4WD

[unisphere]

hi -

i'm working on my '89 4x4 v6 (i'm really an amateur, but i like tinkering around). i've replaced my rear leaf spring hangers/shackles, etc with success, but now i have another issue. well, two issues actually.

1. i sometimes hear a snapping sound from the front end when i cut the wheel relatively hard in 4WD - and it happens more often in reverse than when moving forward.

could this be related to the fact that the front drivers side appears to sit approx. 2" lower than the passenger side? if not, why is the cab sitting low?

2. unrelated (i think) to the first problem is that i have an oil leak in my rear drivers side wheel - would it be the wheel bearing seal that needs to be replaced? or could there be an easier solution?

thanks

 

[rickcdewitt]

the brakes on these trucks can be a little noisy,clacking when you let off the brake.if the small bearing in the spindle is bad it will allow the stub shaft to whip around causing a regular clacking noise especially when the wheel is turned.to check them pull the wheel,caliper and rotor then remove the 5 spindle nuts and user a rubber mallet to beat the spindle loose.if the bearing is dry and or the stub shaft is worn down where the bearing rides thats probably your problem.its happened to me a few times since i drive through mud and water and sometimes don't regrease it enough

 

[rickcdewitt]

the rear leak is unrelated but you should fix it before it contaminates the rear brakes and makes the wheel on that side lock up when you hit the brake

 

[unisphere]

i dont think the snapping noise is related to the brakes, because it can happen when i'm not braking. it sounds more like a belt snapping or a gear slipping loudly...

i read something about 4x4 front end binding with sharp turns..could that be part of the problem?

 

[mhughes165]

i dont think the snapping noise is related to the brakes, because it can happen when i'm not braking. it sounds more like a belt snapping or a gear slipping loudly...

i read something about 4x4 front end binding with sharp turns..could that be part of the problem?

yes thats the problem, u shouldnt be cutting the wheel in 4wd hard, there is only so much room for turning with the clearances and the u joints....


other problem will be either ur wheel seal, or a leaky wheel cylinder

 

[jon440x]

You Might Have Worn U Joints Mine Clicked B4 I Replaced Them

 

[PFC Laird]

my blazer made the same noise from the rear after i broke the spider gears, idk if it was just because it was limited-slip though

 

[reno]

Mine does that if I cut the wheel to hard, but it sounds like it pops from under the cab about where the seat is at, I looked and find nothing. Almost like a crossmember loose, could be the driver side Radius arm bushing (I have not gotten around to doing that yet), check yours, might be the same problem.

 

[unisphere]

Mine does that if I cut the wheel to hard, but it sounds like it pops from under the cab about where the seat is at, I looked and find nothing. Almost like a crossmember loose, could be the driver side Radius arm bushing (I have not gotten around to doing that yet), check yours, might be the same problem.

thanks. that sounds like what i'm talking about...

 

[crbnunit]

Any 4WD will do that turning hard. It is not good and you will break something eventually. The stress on the u-joint goes up exponentially as you turn tighter. You should avoid really tight turns while locked in 4WD. If you really have to cut it that hard, pop it out of 4wd. You can kind of coast around turns and get away with it but if you apply lots of power, things go BANG!

 

[rickcdewitt]

unrelated to the 4wd noise-you should measure the height of each front spring( while compressed as the truck sits) to see if one is sagged and making the truck lean.before replacing any thing look at the frame for obvious damage,that will make it lean also.

 

[MAKG]

For question #2, you have to go in and look.

Leaking axle seals are often a sign of a dead bearing. It often takes the axleshaft out as well. You have to remove the shaft to get at the seal and bearing, so you might as well get a good look in there. Pitting or grooves = bad shaft. It's unfortunately common, so you'll have to look hard for a good replacement.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

They make repair kits (speedi sleeve is one) that allows you to still use an axle shaft with a groove in it.

My brother did that on his 8.8 and it works great.