I have recently been hearing a clicking and popping noise from the front end of my truck when in 4wd, but, only while turning the wheel and moving. No noise while driving straight in 4wd, and no noise while turning in 2wd. I am pretty sure it is not the axle end u-joints since they were recently replaced and I know what to listen for with that. Could this be my front drive shaft joints? Truck has 150K and still has original joints in front axle driveshaft (ie the shaft from the transfer case to the pumpkin). Anyone with similar noise, and what was the problem/solution? Just having a hard time understanding how the front drive shaft (since it is always spinning) could make noise when just turning and not all the time if it was bad, explanation???? Much appreciation for any help.

 

On dry pavement?
I hope you know it is BAD to drive in 4X4 on dry pavement.

 

Seriously? No, not on dry pavement.

 

you can probably see them and check them out with a light. just turn your wheel sharp.

 

What are you talking about (txarrowhunter)??? see what??? gremlins????? Someone out there has to have a similar experience. I thought that I would get a little info before investigating myself to save myself a little time.

 

Sounds like axle u-joints... If you look at the axle u-joints you may see rust, metal or some indication that they are bad.. Have a friend turn the wheel and see what happens...

 

Just turn the front drive shaft back and forth while looking at your axle u-joints. You'll see slop in them if they're bad. Any slop at all and they need replaced. If you can hear clicking, they are pobably bad.

 

Yeah if gremlins was what you where talking about in the first place.

 

Still the question remains, if it's the axle u-joints, why not any noise when not in 4wd, I guess no load? Also, the sound this time is nothing like last time. Will check them out manana, just not too happy that I might only get 50k out of this set, last set I got 100k.

 

I too have click and crunch sounds ,been all through front-end checking and found all ball joints loose with only up and down movement.Priced lifetime ones $550.00 (purchase only)

 

Yep, got the rust oozing, looks like new u-joints again, will definately get the tork-king greasables, since the main failure seems to just be contamination of the needle bearings, might as well do the Carli upper ball joints while I am at it.

 

I had a click pop on tight turns and especially offroad in 4wd. It was a bad front axle ujoint......
Dealer charges anywhere from 320-500 to change both depending on where you go and what kind of ujoints you purchase. Or DIY for $120-200

 

the reason you only hear it in 4 wheel drive is that is the only time power is being applied to the front axle, when not engaged it all just free-spins