4x4 front end pops

that_one_guy23 · #1 02-08-2018, 09:59 PM

Hi guys I have 96 ranger 4x4. Anytime I back up while turning to the left I hear a pop coming from the front passenger side. Today I decided to climb underneath and inspect it. Come to find out that the axle shaft coming out from the diff has came out about half an inch. I was wondering what could be the cause and what i could do to fix it. Pics posted below.

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12 Deg North Industries · #2 02-09-2018, 12:46 AM

Despite that may look like the culprit, you may want to check the upper and lower ball joints.

If they're worn and providing movement of the wheel/tire in a way its not meant to, that could be the "pop" noise and the result is it also pulling the axle from the front diff which looks like the seal needs to be replaced as well.

Probably wouldn't hurt to do a complete once over on that front end and replace seals, bearings, ball joints as well U joints as weather breaks. Pre-Maintenance is a good thing especially when the condition or any repairs is unknown or could be most likely due. Check the mileage and the Owners manual for the service schedule. even if you're a little early or late, it sounds like a good time before it worsens.

that_one_guy23 · #3 02-09-2018, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12 Deg North Industries

Despite that may look like the culprit, you may want to check the upper and lower ball joints.

If they're worn and providing movement of the wheel/tire in a way its not meant to, that could be the "pop" noise and the result is it also pulling the axle from the front diff which looks like the seal needs to be replaced as well.

Probably wouldn't hurt to do a complete once over on that front end and replace seals, bearings, ball joints as well U joints as weather breaks. Pre-Maintenance is a good thing especially when the condition or any repairs is unknown or could be most likely due. Check the mileage and the Owners manual for the service schedule. even if you're a little early or late, it sounds like a good time before it worsens.

I just bought the truck so I've been trying to work out all the little bugs, thank goodness my dad's a mechanic I'll have him look at it

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12 Deg North Industries · #4 02-09-2018, 01:09 AM

Sounds like you're in good hands..

Keep us up to date

that_one_guy23 · #5 02-09-2018, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12 Deg North Industries

Sounds like you're in good hands..

Keep us up to date

Thanks I'll keep you up to date

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tomboy · #6 02-09-2018, 10:31 AM

On some of those front ends, the front end has to taken apart to remove a clip that holds the axel in. If yours is one of them, and the clip has come off, then the problem may be inside the third member.

that_one_guy23 · #7 02-09-2018, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomboy

On some of those front ends, the front end has to taken apart to remove a clip that holds the axel in. If yours is one of them, and the clip has come off, then the problem may be inside the third member.

Is taking the third member apart the only way to find out if the clip has came out

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tomboy · #8 02-09-2018, 05:12 PM

You can pull the hub apart, remove the spindle, and then if you can pull the axel out, the clip has come off.

that_one_guy23 · #9 02-09-2018, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomboy

You can pull the hub apart, remove the spindle, and then if you can pull the axel out, the clip has come off.

Okay thanks

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CharlieM · #10 02-10-2018, 05:01 AM

quik test is jack up front and try to move wheel. top n bottom, then side to side. plan on getting alignment soon too. I would try to do both sides while its down

that_one_guy23 · #11 02-10-2018, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieM

quik test is jack up front and try to move wheel. top n bottom, then side to side. plan on getting alignment soon too. I would try to do both sides while its down

Alright. Will do

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