Front hub Can't make up it's mind!!!

willi · 04-20-2009, 07:12 PM

When I start off in 2WD after truck sitting overnite...son of a gun makes a loud clicking noise in right front. As I come to a stop the noise slows down and then I get a clunk and the hubs are good to go for the day! At least that was the way it was....Now I've got to put it in 4WD and back to 2WD a couple of times to get rid of the noise. Any suggestions gentlemen? 4WD works well in both hi and lo.

noom14921992 · 04-25-2009, 10:00 PM

well if it is a clicking it might just be a front c/v axle.

t01blaze · 05-05-2009, 02:10 PM

it could be your cable/vacuum actuator for the front diff not fully releasing

'JustDreamin' · 05-11-2009, 09:52 AM

It sounds like you've got all kinds of fun going on up there.

As I see it, you have a few possiblilities.
1.) Disconnect assembly isn't disconnecting. Check to make sure it's fully disconnected. May be vacuum or mechanical as indicated above. This is the only answer if its truely locked in 4wd when it shouldn't be (no locking elements in the hubs / bearing assemblies).
2.) Right front hub assembly bearings are going south. Check for play, replace if you have any, and sadly, they're expensive. I've seen them make noise similar to what you're indicating, but won't feel like its in 4wd, if that's part of the diagnosis. Typically, you get a vibration / noise / odd suspension behavior.

'JustDreamin'

tbonelynch · 05-29-2009, 02:53 AM

I had the same problem. I checked it by putting the front end on jack-stands and watching the vacuum actuator (located under the battery), you can see it from under the car (use a flashlight). When I had someone start the car, the actuator would start to pull the cable to the front axle. This should only happen in 4wd. I replaced the TRANSFER CASE SWITCH. It is a plunger actuated vacuum switch (re-routes the vacuum) when in 4wd. $15 at AutoZone, in the HELP section of the store. I still have another vacuum problem with the cabin air flow system, but the axle doesn't "pop" anymore.

04-20-2009, 07:12 PM	#1
willi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1 Location: User is: OffLine	Front hub Can't make up it's mind!!! When I start off in 2WD after truck sitting overnite...son of a gun makes a loud clicking noise in right front. As I come to a stop the noise slows down and then I get a clunk and the hubs are good to go for the day! At least that was the way it was....Now I've got to put it in 4WD and back to 2WD a couple of times to get rid of the noise. Any suggestions gentlemen? 4WD works well in both hi and lo.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-25-2009, 10:00 PM	#2
noom14921992 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 96 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Front hub Can't make up it's mind!!! well if it is a clicking it might just be a front c/v axle.
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05-05-2009, 02:10 PM	#3
t01blaze rollin' on 33's Age: 24 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 416 Location: South Jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Front hub Can't make up it's mind!!! it could be your cable/vacuum actuator for the front diff not fully releasing
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05-11-2009, 09:52 AM	#4
'JustDreamin' Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Baltimore, MD User is: OffLine	Re: Front hub Can't make up it's mind!!! It sounds like you've got all kinds of fun going on up there. As I see it, you have a few possiblilities. 1.) Disconnect assembly isn't disconnecting. Check to make sure it's fully disconnected. May be vacuum or mechanical as indicated above. This is the only answer if its truely locked in 4wd when it shouldn't be (no locking elements in the hubs / bearing assemblies). 2.) Right front hub assembly bearings are going south. Check for play, replace if you have any, and sadly, they're expensive. I've seen them make noise similar to what you're indicating, but won't feel like its in 4wd, if that's part of the diagnosis. Typically, you get a vibration / noise / odd suspension behavior. 'JustDreamin'
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-29-2009, 02:53 AM	#5
tbonelynch Registered User Age: 44 Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Front hub Can't make up it's mind!!! I had the same problem. I checked it by putting the front end on jack-stands and watching the vacuum actuator (located under the battery), you can see it from under the car (use a flashlight). When I had someone start the car, the actuator would start to pull the cable to the front axle. This should only happen in 4wd. I replaced the TRANSFER CASE SWITCH. It is a plunger actuated vacuum switch (re-routes the vacuum) when in 4wd. $15 at AutoZone, in the HELP section of the store. I still have another vacuum problem with the cabin air flow system, but the axle doesn't "pop" anymore.
	[Reply w/Quote]