1988 Ford Explorer Turned 4wd Hi On 4 Ltr Sohc Right Front Wheel Turning Left

1988 FORD EXPLORER
155,000 MILES
Avatar
FRANKERMEL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
When I turned the 4WD hi on my Explorer 4 ltr SOHC, the right front wheel when turning left from a stop the wheel seems to be sluggish, choppy and a groaning noise was heard.. I jacked the vehicle off the ground and engaged 4WD hi to see if all the wheels turned. The right front did not turn while the others turned while in 4WD hi freely. I put the vehicle in reverse and still the right front did not rotate. I turned the engine off and manually rotated theright front wheel and saw the half shaft spin thru the transfer case and I could see the shaft rotate behind the trasnfer case as well. Just for kicks I did the same for the left front and still I could see the half shaft spin through the transfer case and to the shaft behind the transfer case. Is the 4WD working improperly and if so what could be the issue?
Oct 31, 2012 at 1:59 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 52,796 POSTS
the system is correct. it is an open rear which allows this type of rotation.

when was the last time you serviced the bearings in the front wheels?????

Roy
Oct 31, 2012 at 2:08 AM
Avatar
FRANKERMEL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
3 weeks ago when I changed the upper and lower ball joints. Why do you think the right front did not rotate when I engaged the 4WD while the car was off the ground?
Oct 31, 2012 at 11:25 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 52,796 POSTS
what about the bearings I asked about. not part of the ball joint repair??

it is an open rear. when wheels off the ground, the spider gears will rotate making 1 wheel turn the opposite way when rotating. normal condition

Roy
Oct 31, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Avatar
FRANKERMEL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
As I indicated to your question about the bearings, they were greased about 3 weeks ago when I did the ball joints.
When manually rotating one front wheel off the ground the other did not rotate.
Oct 31, 2012 at 2:53 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.