question about the front differential

[Firesong]

This seems to have cropped up since I changed the auto hubs to manual.
In normal 2 wd everything seems normal
In 4wd the front differential seems fine, no extra noise or anything.
Works good. (after locking the hubs)

Leave the hubs locked and then switch to 2wd. I expect some noise
however the front diff makes noise, quite noisy. Noisier than when
it's in 4wd. I would expect some noise with all stuff turning and hubs
engaged but not what I am getting.

Anyone come across something like this?
(diff fluid changed recently with synth, hubs greased
etc.)

Firesong

[jessef]

throw it on a hoist and go through the switch 4 to 2 / locked/unlocked hubs while turning the wheels and see where the noise is coming from.

[Firesong]

Wish I had a friend that had a hoist which I could access.
Good idea though.
Have to see who I can get to do this.
Or pay someone who looks bored at a shop :)
In the meantime I will just either lockem when I needem and unlockem
when Im done.

FS

[jaggedfish]

As Jfarsang says, you need to be sure of where the noise is coming from.

There should be no loud noises when driving with your hubs locked in 2WD - at least no more that being in 4WD. The only difference with being in 2WD versus 4WD is the axles, diff and driveshaft are being driven from the t-case in 4WD and by the wheels in 2WD - opposite ends. If I am correct in my thinking, the opposite faces of the gears would be in contact with each other when in 2WD with hubs locked. Excessive noise in 2WD with locked hubs could indicate wear on the gears in the diff and also any parts driven by the wheels within the t-case that would normally freewheel in 2WD (if there are any).

Prior to the worst case scenario though, check your u-joints and make sure your hubs are fully unlocked.

Just throwin' stuff out there... hope it's a simple fix and not serious.

[thedjjack]

put the front up on axles stands so you can turn the front wheels.

Ujoints first place I would check.

With hubs locked you are turning the CVs, the diff, the front driveshaft, and the front input into the transfercase.

[Firesong]

Im wondering why the noise would be there in 2wd (hubs locked) but not 4wd locked

J

[jessef]

Me too. Even if you have to pay 20-40 bucks for someone to lift it up and 15 mins of their time, do it.

[Firesong]

Before I go there I am going to remove the manual hubs
check them over and make sure that they are all lubed etc
good.

I had taken them off at one point and the springs were very
not happy with being removed, they almost sorta jammed in there.
Is there an easy way to take those off?

FS

[jessef]

Buy some penetrating fluid and squirt it in each hex head bolt hole. Do this at least 3-4 times over a period of 24 hrs before you plan to remove them.

When you're ready, get an Allen key that is a snug fit otherwise it will strip the head and you'll have to drill it out. Take a small hammer and tap on the Allen key to break the bond between the rust bolt/threaded hole. Then with downwards pressure on the Allen key, crack it the bolt loose and remove.

This is the best way to salvage old Allen bolts and not shear them off.

[fexlboi]

Buy some penetrating fluid and squirt it in each hex head bolt hole. Do this at least 3-4 times over a period of 24 hrs before you plan to remove them.

When you're ready, get an Allen key that is a snug fit otherwise it will strip the head and you'll have to drill it out. Take a small hammer and tap on the Allen key to break the bond between the rust bolt/threaded hole. Then with downwards pressure on the Allen key, crack it the bolt loose and remove.

This is the best way to salvage old Allen bolts and not shear them off.

x2
Also don't use an impact gun. A breaker bar is the way to go.
Heating the area up with a torch works well too.

[Firesong]

LOL

Um
you guys are preset for a certain answer regarding certain subjects hey :)
I don't have problems taking that off, as I said the spring
inside seems to want to catch or what ever the spring attaches to,
it wants to catch on the shaft.

FS

[jessef]

Remove it in the locked position

[Firesong]

Awesome thanks! I knew there was something easy and simple
to that stupid spring.

FS

[Firesong]

Turns out the problem was directly related to the hubs themselves.
Maybe I didn't install them properly or maybe they became ...
The springs were not in their proper grooves and not rotated
.. hard to explain. I think they came not quite set right so when
I put them in they just didn't work right.

I took them both apart, reset them and put them back in.
No noise and less growl then I can remember on dusty pavement
in 4wd.. in locked but 2wd no noise. And in 2wd unlock, same as
ever.. no noise.

Silly things
Ah well. I think it's all in order. I will keep an ear out for them
in the next bit to make sure nothing slips.

Firesong