Hi I just bought a 99 Explorer Sport from a reputable new/used ford dealer. It has about 112,000 miles on it and when I put it in 4x4 high it makes loud sort of grinding noises just whenever I turn, the vehicle is hard to turn when the noises happen and will sometimes pop and then drive okay till I make the next turn. Any suggestions? Is it a hub problem? Just wanted to know if anyone had any advice before I take it back to dealer to fix since it is still under warranty. Helps a little to know what is going on before I surrender my baby to someone else. I haven't really driven this vehicle in 4x4 before so I don't even know how it is supposed to act.

Also just had the shift indicator get out of wack on me couple days before the 4x4 problem, could they be related? Found great information on how to fix that in another post. If you need more info about my explorer to help I will reply if you ask.

Thanks and keep up the great work helping others with the forum

Did you remember not to engage 4 wheel on dry pavement? Front axles in four wheel spin a little faster than rear axles. That causes windup (tension) in the front axle, which will release in a pop, usually when you turn.

The grind is a concern, and I would say that is not normal. Try four wheel hi on a dirt road, if it grinds take her in for the fix.

Thanks for the reply.

The road was an old rural paved highway (hardly any pavement left) and it was soaking wet. I was just trying to see if the 4 wheel drive worked because I had not tried it out since I bought it. Is it ok just to see if 4x4 works in that type situation (wet pavement)? If not does it harm the vehicle if it was just driven a short distance? Less than half a mile total.

Thanks again for the quick reply,
HP

Thanks for the reply.

The road was an old rural paved highway (hardly any pavement left) and it was soaking wet. I was just trying to see if the 4 wheel drive worked because I had not tried it out since I bought it. Is it ok just to see if 4x4 works in that type situation (wet pavement)? If not does it harm the vehicle if it was just driven a short distance? Less than half a mile total.

Thanks again for the quick reply,
HP

Yes, wet pavement is ok - it usually lets the tires slip and release the tension before it gets too bad. People get a pop or clunk from the front end when the windup releases - but grinding noises are not normal.

Doesn't sound like you are too familiar with 4 wheel drive. You may be hearing a normal noise, but since it is under warranty you might as well get it checked to be sure.

You should not get a pop or clunk when testing on a dirt road - the tires will slip the tension off. No grinds either.

You are right I am not very familiar with 4 wheel drive. This is the first vehicle I have owned with 4x4. Previously I had an 87 IROC Z and before that I had an 84 GMC Suburban that was 2 wheel drive, but that thing never knew it wasn't 4 wheel drive. It would go anywhere and it did.

Thanks for your reply, I had a friend check it out and it was a lot better. Said that the previous owner may not have used 4 wheel drive so maybe I just had to use it somemore. Seems to be ok now.

Thanks again

If you still have the auto hubs in the front it could be them. In my own it happened and when taken apart you will see.