Front Axle Shaft

nharrel · March 2, 2010

when i was pulling a friend out of the mud, i broke my front right axle shaft that goes into the differental. i was able to find a new one and replaced it just fine. when i had it in 4wd on the hiway and driving around the yard to test it, the trucks runs just fine at all speeds. but when i put a heavier load on the front 4wd, like going up a steep hill, it makes a popping noise. i checked the left cv axle and it has a little play but nothing big. what could it be. sound like the popping is coming more from the left side of the truck. thanks guys.

Nytemare · March 2, 2010

when i was pulling a friend out of the mud, i broke my front right axle shaft that goes into the differental. i was able to find a new one and replaced it just fine. when i had it in 4wd on the hiway and driving around the yard to test it, the trucks runs just fine at all speeds. but when i put a heavier load on the front 4wd, like going up a steep hill, it makes a popping noise. i checked the left cv axle and it has a little play but nothing big. what could it be. sound like the popping is coming more from the left side of the truck. thanks guys.

You should never drive in 4WD on dry pavement...does that answer your question?

nharrel · March 2, 2010

You should never drive in 4WD on dry pavement...does that answer your question?

do you even know what your talking about. the popping sound came when i was going up and down a DIRT hill. plus that might have been true 15+ years ago, the trucks now adays can be put in 4wd high at highway speeds

gmtech4 · March 3, 2010

you were not reading what Aiden said.DO NOT DRIVE ON HARDPACK IN 4WD ,

having said that ,if the noise is very load under load it may be the chain is stretched ,although it sounds like the truck is coming apart it may not sound like its coming from the front.

so do a brake stand in 4wd ,if the chain is stretched ,you'll know it .

don't rip on a guy who knows way more than you sir

Nytemare · March 3, 2010

when i was pulling a friend out of the mud, i broke my front right axle shaft that goes into the differental. i was able to find a new one and replaced it just fine. when i had it in 4wd on the hiway and driving around the yard to test it, the trucks runs just fine at all speeds. but when i put a heavier load on the front 4wd, like going up a steep hill, it makes a popping noise. i checked the left cv axle and it has a little play but nothing big. what could it be. sound like the popping is coming more from the left side of the truck. thanks guys.

HOLY HELL.....

Where in the F**K did you say anywhere in that statement that you were going up hill on a dirt road and the noise was happening. You said you had it in 4WD on the highway...and unless there's snow or rain on the pavement you DO NOT drive your vehicle in 4WD...auto is fine as it will engage only when needed.

WOW...read your manual man...it says right in there not to operate 4WD on dry pavement.

Do you even know how your 4WD system works? You don't have an AWD truck there.

and to answer your second question...Yeah...I have a very good Idea what I am talking about...considering I have 17 years of experience with vehicles.

nharrel · March 3, 2010

i think we started off on the wrong foot. so don't treat me like an idoit and i wont treat you like one. fair enough. you have 17 years in auto and i got 10 years in auto and aviation mechanincs. so moving on, can you please help me or not, im kind of stumped on this one thats why im asking for help. thanks

Matt_ · March 3, 2010

when i was pulling a friend out of the mud, i broke my front right axle shaft that goes into the differental. i was able to find a new one and replaced it just fine. when i had it in 4wd on the hiway and driving around the yard to test it, the trucks runs just fine at all speeds. but when i put a heavier load on the front 4wd, like going up a steep hill, it makes a popping noise. i checked the left cv axle and it has a little play but nothing big. what could it be. sound like the popping is coming more from the left side of the truck. thanks guys.

There's your problem. Replace your left side CV. A "little" play is too much play.

Nytemare · March 3, 2010

i think we started off on the wrong foot. so don't treat me like an idoit and i wont treat you like one. fair enough. you have 17 years in auto and i got 10 years in auto and aviation mechanincs. so moving on, can you please help me or not, im kind of stumped on this one thats why im asking for help. thanks

Good man...not often you get someone apologizing on here. Thanks man.

Like was stated...either chain or left shaft....if the right didn't brake, the left was going to...

That's the most likely...also try rotating your front drive shaft to ensure there is no binding in either of the U-joints.

Try those and we'll go from there...hopefully you didn't bust up something big, but it really sounds like a CV shaft.

Shaft is easily checked by turning the wheel all the way to the affected side and driving slowly in 4hi or lo while someone listens outside. than drive straight and see if the noise is still there.

Popping during a slow turn is 90% of the time a shaft. Popping going straight, especially in 4lo usually means you stretched the chain. If you get a popping during both, more than likely its a clunking and you busted a u-joint...but what I call a clunk...you may call a pop...so take that with a grain of salt.

Chances are you will remove the left shaft and find a crack in the socket housing.