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Thud from front right while driving in 4x4... Hubs??

2K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  ChrisOz 
#1 ·
Hi

I've recently bought my first 2002 Sportage, manual transmition. When driving off road in 4x4 (which is working/engaging perfectly) I occasionally hear a THUD from the front right or front left. 4x4 does not disengage and i can continue driving for another 5 minutes until i hear it again. Had my universals checked and they seem fine. Could it be the hubs? I still have the vacuum hubs.
 
#3 ·
Greetings,

If the hubs are not disengaging, recommend checking the vacuum lines from the hubs -> to the metal lines, especially at the vacuum port on the hubs, and replace w/ new hose if split or cracked ..

And check the 'vacuum actuator' canister, sometimes oil and/or crud gets inside that, empty and clean it with some Carb Cleaner using a straw tube, if you get gunk out of it, clean it thoroughly and let it dry out overnight before reinstalling..

* The hubs are most likely not disengaging due to old grease or crud inside the hub assembly: they really should be disassembled and cleaned & re-greased with a -light- coating of #2 Moly-fortified grease, too much grease will gum up your hubs..

But if unsure how to do, sometimes blasting w/ non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner a few times and wiping down, w/ some new grease might get them working ok again.. Or it might not, and you will have to disassemble anyway. :)

Forum member Galf posted excellent pics on the inner assembly of the vacuum hubs, you should use those as your guide for cleaning / assembly.

* Don't forget to check the Front Diff and Transfer Case fluids!

Happy 4x4i'ing,
GottaCruise



GottaCruise
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the replies. My problem is not that I'm having trouble engaging OR disengaging 4x4, that function is working fine. My problem is that when im in 4x4, I intermittently hear a clunk/thud from the front right, and it almost feels like something slipping... But it doesnt cause the 4x4 to disengage. This only occurs when in 4x4.
 
#7 ·
+1 drive wind-up,
+1 possible CV axle,

possible failing Hub,
possible failing needle bearing in Spindle -> CV axle..

If original vacuum hub, and intermittent engage/disengage, replacing with manual locking hubs and sealing the vacuum port on the spindle to prevent dirt intrusion should help, that's the usual fix for failing vacuum hubs on the Sporty..

If vacuum line to spindle was previously damaged / missing / unknown, and manual hub replacement does not correct 'thud', suspect failing needle bearing in Spindle due to dirt intrusion / possible CV axle shaft issue.. * Check where the CV shaft mates w/ the Spindle, missing seal plate or rubber seal, treat needle bearing and CV shaft as suspect..
 
#8 ·
It occurs on any surface, so long as 4x4 is engaged. My car is currently in for a major service but they can't seem to find the problem. I will give them the info that you provided and hopefully that will help.

Thanks you very much, i'll let you know how it goes.
 
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