Strange Noise

[budro]

I have a 93 Ranger 4x4 that is making a grinding noise like a chain rubbing against the side of a case. It sounds like it comes from the drivers side. It only happens when you have the hubs locked in and 4x4 disengaged (these are warn lockout hubs not the auto hubs). If you push the 4x4 button the sound goes away immediately. I have already checked the front driveshaft ujoints and cv-joint, all the u-joints in the front axle are new (both outers and the intermediate on the passenger side), new wheel bearings, new brake pads, new calipers.

Could it be the chain inside the transfercase flopping around not being under load? When it is in 4x4 mode there is no noise so it seems like something is loose when it is just free wheeling with the front hubs locked in.

This truck has almost 300,000 miles on it. Just trying to see if anyone else has had similiar problems.

 

[Jspafford]

The 13-50 in my Bronco II does this too... but only when I have been in 4WD and push the shifter back up into 2WD without stopping. It makes a rumbling noise almost until I come to a stop to let it completely disengage.

However, when I had the hubs locked and in 2WD, I don't hear the noise.. Hence it goes away once I stop and start moving again.

Not sure what causes it. Mine is only noticeable for a few minutes at a time so I just ignore it. I assume its something in there that is only in use when the case is in 2WD, but not completely disengaged. Mine is like yours, if I put it back into 4WD, the sound goes away.

 

[91wannabe]

i have a simialar problem but when im in 4wd and let off the gas i get a grinding noise, sounds like gears or a chain rubbing the inside off the case or hubs not completly locked. i still havent figured out what it is. got any ideas?

 

[kozak]

I have had the same problem. I had auto hubs, turns out, they reached the end of there life. I put manual ones on, and no problem ever since. It could be your hubs are worn out, bearings could be seizing. Im just glad I didnt go out an buy a new transfer case.

 

[91wannabe]

well i bought a hi lift jack last night. and i jacked up the front today and the left front wheel bearing is SHOT!!! im thinking that could me most of my problem with the grinding cuz when its only when i go into 4wd so that would be my bearing grinding. im so relived that its not my hubs