We finally got some good snow today (up to 20in) and I had to use the 4x4 to get around. I noticed this clicking noise coming from the front drivers side tire.

It sounds like a bike with something hitting the spokes....thats the best way i can describe it.

any ideas?

thanks,
scott

 

BTW: The 4x4 seemed to be working fine...

 

I had a 95 w/auto hubs and they did the same thing. Made this racheting (sp?) noise when I engaged 4wd. I would have to roll 20 feet or more to get them to engage. This wouldn't be too good if you were already stuck. I had an aftermarket warranty and had my hubs replaced. I believe there may be a TSB on this but I'm not sure. Hopefully someone else can tell you this. I loved the auto hubs on my cherokee. They would lock up instantly w/o moving forward. This is handy when you are parked and get snowed in, etc, and need 4wd immediately. My 'new' 94 has manual hubs.

 

Mine clicked also. For the first year I owned it it'd click a tiny bit before complete hub lock-1-3feet roll forward.

Then one day a Pizza Hut parking lot it was clicking like a ****, I didn't even engage 4wd. So I backed up and it went away.

Then the drivers side hub locked up on my wife while leaving the drive way for work. She didn't use 4wd either. It stuck on by itself! She said it felt like she was driving over boulders... called me and I thought she broke a front axle or drive shaft. Towed it to my nieghbor's shop so I could look at it after work and he said nothing was wrong.."Probably a stuck hub". She backed up into drive to get out of street.

I put in new Warn hubs last week---no problems since. Mud season is coming

 

Thanks guys...Today when I turned it off, I noticed that it still made the clicking noise .

Its really starting to annoy me. I'll try backing up and see if it goes away...

Could it be a wheel bearing or something?

thanks,
scott

 

I have a 92 with the "5-bolt" auto hubs...

How hard is it to go to manual hubs. I have heard that with the 3-bolt auto hubs you have to use a conversion kit, but not with the 5-bolts.

This is my first 4x4, but I am fairly handy - what all does going to manual hubs entail?


thanks,
Matt

 

In your owner's manual it says to go into reverse to disengage the hubs when 4wd is done being used. I always did this, I could hear a click or two when they disengaged as I rolled back 4ft or so. It is normal I think. As for bearings, there are some in there just like in a two wheel drive truck. The axle comes thru the bearings and you shouldn't have to mess w/them.

 

The hubs are easily changed. The directions are pretty good.

 

Thanks,

I went in reverse, and it seems quiet now..problem solved.
thanks again,
scott

 

I would recommend the manual hubs.
After 2 sets of automatic hubs went out, I have gone to the manual Warn Hubs. No problems at all.
The conversion is fairly easy.
please see www.mechanicmatt.com for the blow by blow instructions to go from automatic hubs to manual hubs.
Thanks,
Gene
www.geocities.com/wb9prg
1996 F150 4x4 ext cab 155,000 miles

 

Thanks Gene,

How much do the manual hubs cost?

Thanks,
scott

 

The parts I found were from a local auto store.
The total cost of my parts was $120.
Take your time, and follow the directions.
There is a different wrench for the auto hub, and for the new manual hub.
Good luck,
Gene