Expert: Carl Brandt - 2/6/2005

Question
Hi Carl

Thanks for responding to my question. The sound is coming from the front drivers side. You are correct that I have automatic hubs and is shifted electronicaly. If it was the transfer case wouldn't both sides be making the noise. If I have to change the hubs would I be better off to go to a manual hub rather then a automatic one. Have heard lots of bad things about the ones I have.


         Thanks Wayne
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Followup To
Question -
I have 1988 Forb Bronco that I have been restoring. The problem is in the 4WD, it goes into 4WD alright and everything is working fine and the front end seems to be tight. But when I go back into 2WD it makes a noise when you drive. Sort of like a clicking and jerking sound. Any help you might be able to give would bwe appreciated.
Answer -
Wayne,

It sounds like you have a locking rear end.  They will make a clicking sound when in a turn, and will jerk (sometimes extremely hard with a loud bang) when unloading, and loading.  If this is the case, it is critical to make sure that you have the same air pressure in both tires on that axle.  If the tires are not the same size, or the pressure is not equal in both tires, the locker can unload, and load even when driving in a straight line.  Lockers take some getting used to, but are invaluable on the trail for extreme traction.  The type of locker can make a difference in how harsh the loading will be.  Lock Rites are extremely harsh, where a Detroit Locker is slightly smoother.

Another possibility, is that the transfer case, or one of the front hubs may not be disengaging.  I'm assuming that you have automatic hubs, and that your transfer case is shifted electrically.  If you are on hard pavement, and actually in 4-wheel drive, then the transfer case could be getting in a bind.

Carl

Answer
Wayne,

It sure sounds like a hub.  I have seen them break on several occasions.  If you do have to replace them, the manual hubs are much stronger, and preferable.

If it was the transfer case, the noise should be coming from the transfer case itself.  When you check it out, make sure that all the universal joints (front driveline, rear driveline, and the front axles) are all in good shape.

Carl