I have an intermittent "grinding" noise and sensation which seems to come from the front end when slowing to a stop. The transfer case has been rebuilt, the front u-joints replaced, the pads and rotors replaced, and we can find no problem with the wheel bearings. The front end was realigned when I replaced all four tires and no problems were found. The transfer case engages and disengages smoothly, I just got back from a week in Moab and the San Rafael Swell where we did some trails that I didn't think the Ranger could handle. No problems but the annoying noise. My mechanic threw in the towel, the dealer wanted to charge me $750 to replace the locking hubs. Since the Edge doesn't HAVE locking hubs I decided I didn't want that shop touching my truck. Any ideas?
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4x4 front axle the 2001 and newer 4x4 rangers have live axles ( no locking hubs - no auto locking hubs ) and shifts only at transfer case.
When you say "Grinding" to a stop, I'm assuming that it only makes the noise when you are stopping. My Ranger was making a roaring noise and I couldn't find out what it was. I took my wheels and brakes off and check my wheel bearings and they seamed to be fine (no play or noise). I couldn't figure it out, so I got all four wheel off the ground and put it in four wheel drive to find the noise. maybe you could do that but have someone in the truck to mash the brakes.
I have the same truck as you and really like it. Have you checked your front axle CV Joints? Are the boots cracked letting in dust and water? I know when they start to get bad they intermittently make noise while turning and stopping. Have you checked your front pinion bearing for play? Funny how a truck can be in service for eight years and a dealer shop doesn't know a thing about it. Either it is a statement about how rarely the Ranger needs that repair or they are just stupid.
Check your wheel bearing hub, jack the truck up take the front wheels off and slightly spin the hub and listen closely to see if you hear a slight grinding or if the hub is a miserable SOB then more than likely the wheel bearing hub is the culprit, in an auto parts store they roughly run about $150.00 or so on ebay you can get then around $75.00 and easy to change as long as you have a socket big enough for the axle nut.
