noise from front end when in 4wd

[jeepguy4276]

I put the kj in 4wd tonight and heard a grind noise when I hit the gas. It's never made any noise before. I just put it in for a minute on glare ice it almost sounded like a brake grinding. I'm not sure what would make that sound. No sound in 2nd at all.

Any ideas?

 

[CzarKJ]

Check the front driveshaft transfer case end boot!
http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f202/how-change-front-driveshaft-change-driveshaft-head-47161/

 

[jeepguy4276]

My front driveshaft at the task appears to touch the lower part of the hole it runs into at the joint. It looks like it's rubbing so that would explain the noise. Would this still be a bad joint or is something else wrong? The boot is entirely gone.

 

[CzarKJ]

My front driveshaft at the task appears to touch the lower part of the hole it runs into at the joint. It looks like it's rubbing so that would explain the noise. Would this still be a bad joint or is something else wrong? The boot is entirely gone.

If the boot is gone you need a whole new cv! No worries though only $50 and a hour of your time.

 

[ltd02]

Link to my source:

Driveshaft Parts

Seems to say out of stock but I'd check with them anyway.

 

[vaksanov]

Could this driveshaft boot cause a clanking noise when in 4wd? Almost sounds like lose chain, lol it goes clank clank clank clank....:emotions34:

 

[uss2defiant]

The front driveshaft always moves regardless of whether it is in 2wd or 4wd.

Yes, if you drive next to a high medium or next to a vehicle, you can hear the lose chain sound. The boot is most likely the problem.

Just pop your head under your car and look at the CV boot by the transfer case (the side facing the front).

 

[wheeee32]

I imagine that when the day comes I need to change that cv joint it won't be very difficult after all the write-ups and videos I've watched. I love this site.:happy160:

 

[AutoXSS]

Thread back from the dead....

Just went out to a water crossing, very shallow, about 6" below rockers. Easily done in 2wd. Its man made graded down limestone. After leaving I had to do some minor trails that only needed part time 4 wheel since it was raining and muddy. As soon as I shifted, I heard that same grinding noise like bad rotors or brake pads( mine are both new 3k ago). Also, within 10 feet, my abs light came on.

After going back to 2wd(no more noise) and getting home, the abs light came off. The grinding noise is still there, but not near as bad. I checked the front driveshaft boots, both boots I see on the front diff and transfer ends. No rips, but I can see where fluid has leaked on both ends in the past.
Could the water crossing have revealed a sign that the cv boots are allowing muddy water in and creating the grinding? The abs light was, I assume from mud on the sensor?

 

[AutoXSS]

Another observation, while in part time or 4high in reverse, it seems like the front wheels are binding up. I creep in reverse and it seems like the front wheels have brakes on.

 

[uss2defiant]

silly questions:
have you pressure washed your jeep?

 

[CalcityRenegade]

have you taken the tires off? Last summer I was off road and got a grinding and screeching sound from one of the wheels, Turned out to be a rock stuck between the pad and rotor, I don't have ABS so cannot elaborate there.

 

[CactusJacked]

Have the gears in the back been changed to a different ratio, and not the front, or vice-versa? Running two different sized tires front to back? Those things will cause a bind.

 

[AutoXSS]

Haven't washed it, mainly because it was pouring rain that day. I didn't take a wheel off yet. I will tonight for inspection.

Tires are all 245/65's, 17"

 

[AutoXSS]

I'm pretty sure it's the front driveshaft. It only grinds when in 4wd. I hope it's nothing front diff related