4 wheel drive

[razza]

My son has a Ford Ranger 4x4.When 4 wheel drive is engaged there is a grating noise coming from the two front wheels when cornering,it is ok on the straight.Anyone had a similar problem on any 4x4 vehicle.

[jake-the-peg]

That sounds like the front differential to me - have had similar issue on an old defender

[razza]

Thanks for that jake.Did it cost you much to have it put right.

[Nkakamasembe]

check if you have manual free wheel hubs on the front wheel turn these locks fully to lock position.

[Nkakamasembe]

should have added also turn these same free wheel hubs to unlock positions and see in which positions the noise goes out.
If your 4x4 has auto free wheel hubs confirm source of noise by jacking up each/both wheels and turning the wheel in the driving direction.
Mind you look at the condition of the brake discs and pads and also feel for play from the wheel bearings.
Unless your front diff is leaking oil these diffs are meant to last .

[razza]

thanks Nkakamasembe,will tell him to try.

[jake-the-peg]

The diffs are meant to last but on older vehicles you can get condensation causing rust This can cause the bearings in the diffs to start to go.

However it could just be wheel bearings but I'd be surprised if it was only with four whhel drive engaged - I'd expect it on cornering in 2wd as well.

Certainly check that first replacing the diff can be expensive.

Also my defender is permanent four wheel drive not it's not necessarilly comparible