DieselPioneer
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Florida
I have a clicking/grinding issue in the front drive train when in four wheel drive which is especially bad when turning (left or right).
I've got about 30,000 miles on my 85 Cherokee w/Renault diesel since I resurrected it from the dead. During the resurrection I rebuilt the front drive shaft, put new seals and oil in the transfer case, changed oil in the front differential, and applied a vacuum to the vacuum actuator to check for a bad diaphragm (it tested good). When I first got it on the road (208K miles) I engaged the 4 wheel drive and experienced a terrible clicking and grinding noise in the front drive train that was especially bad when turning. I suspected axle shaft U-joints. I had no issues when in 2 wheel drive so I let it go for the time being. I was also dealing with the dreaded death wobble until I replaced the steering dampener (what a horrible experience!). I know that approach is simply a band aid but it stopped it for the time being. Recently (240K miles) I dug into my front end to address any suspension issues and then have it aligned. I found both axle u-joints bad. I found the forged bracket on the drivers end of the track bar to be broken (which is probably the result of the death wobble). And, I found the upper end of the inside brake pad on the drivers side to have come off its track. Only the lower end of the pad was contacting the disc (my brakes are much better now!). I replaced these items plus I went ahead and replaced the spindle/bearing assembly on both sides.
I got it all back together and I still have the clicking/grinding issue. The noise is significant to the point I wonder if I am doing damage when in four wheel drive. What could it be? I would be grateful for any suggestions.
Nelson
I've got about 30,000 miles on my 85 Cherokee w/Renault diesel since I resurrected it from the dead. During the resurrection I rebuilt the front drive shaft, put new seals and oil in the transfer case, changed oil in the front differential, and applied a vacuum to the vacuum actuator to check for a bad diaphragm (it tested good). When I first got it on the road (208K miles) I engaged the 4 wheel drive and experienced a terrible clicking and grinding noise in the front drive train that was especially bad when turning. I suspected axle shaft U-joints. I had no issues when in 2 wheel drive so I let it go for the time being. I was also dealing with the dreaded death wobble until I replaced the steering dampener (what a horrible experience!). I know that approach is simply a band aid but it stopped it for the time being. Recently (240K miles) I dug into my front end to address any suspension issues and then have it aligned. I found both axle u-joints bad. I found the forged bracket on the drivers end of the track bar to be broken (which is probably the result of the death wobble). And, I found the upper end of the inside brake pad on the drivers side to have come off its track. Only the lower end of the pad was contacting the disc (my brakes are much better now!). I replaced these items plus I went ahead and replaced the spindle/bearing assembly on both sides.
I got it all back together and I still have the clicking/grinding issue. The noise is significant to the point I wonder if I am doing damage when in four wheel drive. What could it be? I would be grateful for any suggestions.
Nelson