clunk clunk clunk

[gixxerjim]

My 99 a4wd makes a clunk clunk clunk noise occasionally when turning sharp, and sometimes feels like it's engaged in 4wd on dry pavement when I turn sharply. The previous owner put new tires on the front but not the back awhile ago. I have read that it doesn't take much of a difference in tire O.D. to cause the 4wd to lock. Can anyone confirm this? Would simply swapping the rears and fronts make this go away? The rears are at about 3/16 fronts at about 6/16. I don't want to buy 4 new tires and keep 4 around that are still useable if possible.

 

[toms89]

My 99 a4wd makes a clunk clunk clunk noise occasionally when turning sharp, and sometimes feels like it's engaged in 4wd on dry pavement when I turn sharply. The previous owner put new tires on the front but not the back awhile ago. I have read that it doesn't take much of a difference in tire O.D. to cause the 4wd to lock. Can anyone confirm this? Would simply swapping the rears and fronts make this go away? The rears are at about 3/16 fronts at about 6/16. I don't want to buy 4 new tires and keep 4 around that are still useable if possible.

My guess is you likely have a bad CV joint up front. I would say no on the tire difference engaging the 4wd. Think you would need more of a speed differential. Pull fuse 104 to verify.. see if it feels the same. This will not allow 4wd to engage.

 

[gixxerjim]

pulled it

Pulled fuse 104, no more noises...I think this confirms it's the tire difference or a bad speed sensor causing the problem. Right?

 

[toms89]

Pulled fuse 104, no more noises...I think this confirms it's the tire difference or a bad speed sensor causing the problem. Right?

Hmmm. Well the rear tires track to the inside while turning which means they are traveling slower in relation to the front wheels?! Considering the fronts are larger and spinning slower, turning should bring the relative speed between front and rear closer. I don't know...lol maybe analyzing to much.

Well at least you confirmed it is related to the A4wd so now you have to figure out why.

What the hell its worth a shot to rotate fronts tires to the rear... Can't hurt!

 

[DR3W]

Check all your bearings just in case!!!!

 

[gixxerjim]

The wheel bearings I have had go in the past made other noises too. This truck is dead quiet on the highway, even when serpentining side to side to isolate each side's bearings.

What should I look at in the Tcase for possible damage from all the miles the prev owner put on with A4WD kicking in on dry roads?