Topic: Front Axle Engaged=Clicking

[birfection]

I notice a clicking noise only when in 4WD WITH THE HUBS LOCKED. I took apart my axles; the birfields and hub assembly appear to be in great shape(lots of grease, splines good, smooth operation, no play). I then checked to see if the front ring and pinion were operating smoothly, which they are. However, i noticed the bushings were missing on both front leafs where they mount to the rear front shackle. Could this be where the clicking noise is coming from? Could the torque from having the front axle engaged cause this? 

[junya92toy]

What about the locking hubs? are your ujoints ok?

[YotaJosh]

I had a click when I'd turn while in 4WD with the hubs engaged. Once I tore down the axle to investigate, I found 3 hairline cracks in the outside of the birf where the material is thin for the balls. Had I not cleaned up the birfs and looked closely, I probably would have ran them till they grenaded.

[Plekto]

Clicking or grinding noises usually (but not always) means birfs or CVs.  Fix now before you are stuck in 2WD mode in a 4WD only area.  Mine "clicks" sometimes on hard turns but that's my steering.  So I don't turn it 100% (95% and it doesn't make noise) if I can help it. 

[Sparkplug]

Mine clicks also, when turning in 4x4, but im 99% sure its a cracked birf in the axle. Im not using 4x4 till I get it tore apart, as I dun wanna grenade it, and hurt my housing.

[birfection [OP]]

If my steering is the problem, why would it only click(or thump) when my hubs are locked?

[MC387]

When I turn with the front end locked, I hear a clicking too.  I believe it s the ratcheting of my Detroit locker being magnafied by the freeplay in the locker and the hub.

[birfection [OP]]

Here's a picture of my birfield. Everything looked great except these burrs on the bell edge. I filed them down. Does anyone think the burrs may have been causing the clicking?

[joey0712]

What does the inside of the housing look like? Thats now good at all!

[birfection [OP]]

What does the inside of the housing look like? Thats now good at all!

That's the weird thing, the housing inside the knuckle looks fine!! Do you think filing it down could fix the clicking noise?

[joey0712]

I bet the birf is cracked how else would it get all scared up like that... Its gonna be a pita to file the birf they are hardened.

[birfection [OP]]

there's absolutely no signs the bell is cracked and the birf filed down quite easily

[joey0712]

Well clean everything really good and throw it back together.

[Phazertwo]

I would say pull it apart and clean/inspect everything really well. If all passes, than put it together with a boat load o grease and run the pee out of it...  If it still clicks, get a new one...

My.02
PZ

[Plowking]

I am dealing with a clunk noise myself believed to be a mount problem. Quick question your tires all about the same or equal wear and tire pressure? I notice more binding and clicking when a tire needs to be adjusted to match the rest (air pressure for tires all the same)
Simple idea good luck

[birfection [OP]]

I'm about to put new tires on, so if that's the problem, I should be set!

[anfkndy]

ive had that same problem with the 30 spline longs but they were 1rst gen and actually broke the cage inside but the bell held together. called them up and they swapped them out for me