2004 V8 Center Diff Issue

[JoshuaZ]

As the title suggests, I have an issue with my center diff, I couldn't find anything, so I wanted to post here.

When I have it locked, everything is fine. Go from Hi to Lo no problem, all gears.

Once I unlock it, nothing but a chain like noise.

Any thoughts on what the problem is?

 

[importman]

As the title suggests, I have an issue with my center diff, I couldn't find anything, so I wanted to post here.

When I have it locked, everything is fine. Go from Hi to Lo no problem, all gears.

Once I unlock it, nothing but a chain like noise.

Any thoughts on what the problem is?

I'm thinking possibly a problem with one of the front cv axles. When it's unlocked the torque can go to the point of least resistance, ie the bad axle but when it's locked you will still have torque going to the rear wheels which propel you. Hopefully someone on here with more knowledge than me will chime in but that's what I think.

 

[JoshuaZ]

I'm thinking possibly a problem with one of the front cv axles. When it's unlocked the torque can go to the point of least resistance, ie the bad axle but when it's locked you will still have torque going to the rear wheels which propel you. Hopefully someone on here with more knowledge than me will chime in but that's what I think.

That actually makes sense as I hear the noise from my front left wheel. If this is true, would you say I could drive it to my mechanic? I ask because it mean all the power going to the front is going nowhere leaving the front in an open state, making it a RWD

 

[JoshuaZ]

I just went and looked at the CV axles( it's not pouring down rain anymore) it's definitely the front left CV axle

 

[Captsolo]

Could also be a wheel bearing. I had to replace one at 120,000 miles. An alignment shop will have an experienced tech to diagnose and repair/replace.

Wheel will have "plaY" and may or may not make noise.

 

[importman]

That actually makes sense as I hear the noise from my front left wheel. If this is true, would you say I could drive it to my mechanic? I ask because it mean all the power going to the front is going nowhere leaving the front in an open state, making it a RWD

Sorry for the late response. I don't think it would be a problem to drive it like that, just to get it to a shop. I would take it pretty easy though. And I wouldn't delay or drive it anywhere else. Glad that's all the problem was.