2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer Advanced Track unknown grinding noise

[Jose cerrillo]

Hello it’s my first time posting here, I’m having an issue pin pointing where this grinding noise is coming from on my 04 expedition advanced trac. I was under the impression it was my vacuum line not engaging the front axles correctly but that was not the problem. I’ve removed both front axles and I now have both front wheels spinning freely like a 2wd. Grinding noise is still there and it seems to be coming from the front differential. I don’t know exactly what to pinpoint here as the problem, I’m soon going to remove the entire from differential and see what’s going on inside it. The transmission is fine and performs normal aswell as the engine. There’s just that noise . Also another note , prior to this noise I stupidly switched from 2wd to 4high on the free way going 70mph. This is my first 4x4 .

 

[riphip]

Someone in the past on here had same problem. He found that the front differential had leaked all the lube out. He never seem to notice anything but a small leak.
https://www.expeditionforum.com/thr...-failsafe-restarted-now-grinding-sound.39245/

 

[BlackCoffee]

Put the vehicle up on jack stands or a lift and check the operation of the transfer case. I usually take the wheels off so you don't get the spinning mass of the wheels. DO THIS SAFELY, good jack stands and level support. Run through the operation of the 4x4 and see if the transfer case is driving the front wheels when engaged and not driving them when disengaged (2 wheel drive). You also may be able to isolate the noise better.

 

[Jose cerrillo]

Hey so I did what you said and I jacked up the car on jack stands and saw the operation of the transfer case. Turns out when I switch to 2h or any other option 4h, 4lo, awd, the front shaft isn’t moving at all , I can stop it’s movement with my hand and wiggle it back and forth but seems to me something is making it spin a little to where I’m able to hear the grinding noise on the freeway but that noise stops when I’m under the car and I stop the front drive shaft from spinning. Any thoughts