Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Popping noise in front end?

[patrobertson]

Finally got some snow in Utah and my front axle is taking along time engage and when I am in snow its fine, but when I am just on a wet corner it sounds like the axle disconnect is popping or skipping. Checked the front cover and it is not running hot or warm, fluid was changed not too long ago. The popping noise does not go away even when I straighten out, I have to stop and than its fine.

Could it not be engaging all the way? I have checked the vaccum lines on the front housing, but maybe I am not getting enough vaccum. Is there a way to check. Is the metal on the disconnect soft or will I maybe have to replace it.

Thanks for any help,



Shane (Pat's son)

 

[thaile]

check your front u joints that is what mine did when they were going out. Usually that means they are pretty bad. OR this could also be coming from the little vacum motor that shifts the front axle mine did this when the fork was broken off inside.

 

[patrobertson]

Hmm

I don't think its U joints, hub joints were replaced not too long ago, and the driveshaft joints were as well. How much was the fork in the disconnect? I looked it up in my cheapy manual and seems like it is real easy, could the motor have some crud in it causing some friction and not engaging all the way? Or are these units completely sealed,



Thanks,

Shane

 

[thaile]

I'm not sure if the fork is even sold by itself because both times when mine has been out before they always end up putting the new motor on with it. It wasn't very expensive though I think around 100 or something like that maybe a little higher don't' have the ticket with me.

 

[wcjp]

Instead of replacing the fork mechanism, why not upgrade to a cable actuated device?