Help?

[jjmmagoo]

Hello, I am a newbie with both this forum and the xterra. Today we got our a blizzard of 2003, I dug my car out but still had too put it in 4 wheel drive, when I hit the gas it made a loud pop or knock sound! I did not think anything of it but when I finally got to my home I had to paralle park I was in 4HI when I put in reverse, turned the wheel I hit the gas the same thing happened again only a little louder, just one loud knock or pop! The xterra is a 2002 xe. any advice would be greatly apprecitated! Thanks

[wqbang]

Honestly, when turning sharp in 4WD, it is not uncommon for your suspension to make some strange noises. Whatever you do, don't run your rig in 4WD unless it is on low traction surfaces.

[Schludwiller]

What he said.

You should feel your steering getting stiffer as you turn tightly on a non-slick surface (sometimes hard to notice if you've never driven a 4x4 and have power steering).
Don't do that!

If you do a search here on "binding" here you'll find more info on the subject. Also the owners manual goes into some detail about what not to do in 4-wheel drive.

Just guessing here, but did you dig out your truck, but the pavement underneath the truck was dry (or devoid of snow)?

BTW, welcome to the board.

[jjmmagoo]

Hey thanks for your replys! No there was plenty of snow under the tires. It seemed when the the truck was trying to get over a little more snow and the truck was stoped and I had the wheel turned I hit the peddle thats when the noise came(I just hit the peddle a little bit. I did not floor it)? I really can't put a finger on it because I use to have a blazer 4x4 and it never did that. At first I thought maybe the truck was just breaking in, then I thought based on a thread from somone else that I might've damaged the hubs? I don't know, on my next day off I am going to take the xterra to dealer-service and have them look at it. I just don't want to damage it any further! Also I do have to use to get back & forth to work! But thats what warrantys are for! Thanks for all your help!

[OffroadX]

Sounds like nothing more than the auto hubs doing their usual "clunk" when switching direction quickly under power, or hopping on the gas when first starting out before they lock. No big deal, just try to be a little easier on the gas. I got a couple such clunks myself.

Brent

[jjmmagoo]

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will try to be more careful!! Just thought I F%$K the thing up you know!!