I am having a clicking noise at front left tire.
I was out wheeling and was in and out of 2wd, 4H and 4L all day and it all worked perfect. on the way home I notices a clicking sound that increased speed when I drove faster. I suspected a u-joint but now I dont think thats it.
Today after work on my way home I was trying to narrow it down but all I came up with was that the clicking sound ONLY happens in 2wd. as soon as its shifted into 4wd the clicking stops but once I shift back to 2wd it takes a second or two and then starts the clicking again. its like the hub isnt releasing fully or something? Vac issue??? (I really am not very mechanically inclined)
Im hoping its not a major issue. I really dont want to have to sink any money into this axle cuz Id rather just upgrade but funds are limited at the moment.
If any one has any clue as to what is happening and any advise on repairing the issue I'd greatly appreciate it!!!
thanks
incase info is needed
87 cherokee 4.0
dana 30

 

come on you xj gurus! I could really use some help. I cant afford repair shop fees so I need to be able to do this and I need help.

 

What transfer case?

 

np231

 

Prob vacuum trying to engage the CAD when in 2 wheel drive unhook the vacuums line to actuator and see if it does it.?? U can swap out the pass side axle shaft for a reg. one I've been told and get rid of the vacuum crap lol or swap out whole axle the CAD ate a poor design I think... Prob y they stopped making em haha

The diaphragm or what ever it is in actuator is prob bad letting just enough vacuum to try pulling it in to lock up other axle shaft... And when u kick it in 4x4 it open and engages ! Makes sense try pulling line n let us no what it does

 

I'd put it 4WD (light comes on?), then Park. Jack up the left and rotate the wheel front and back and check for play in the U-joint.

I know 2, not 4WD does it, but I'd start with checking the "part time" light and the U-joint. A number of us here know your command track/w vac disconnect pretty well! (often the lines fall off). I put a zip tie on mine, loosely to hold double rubber plug on there.

 

Probably what's happening. Either way, just do the folowing. It takes a half hour, requires NO parts, and you'll eliminate future issues. Might even fix your problem.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/fr...ss-91-a-38629/

 

I did this 2 weeks ago. NO side effects. no I know I'm in 4x4

 

Yep. Do it and don't look back. There were several issues with that system, not just the vacuum lines. The shifter forks bent, the slider got stuck on one half of the axle, the diaphragms failed. Factory ditched the system in mid 91.

 

I think the slider on mine was sorta wedged, when I first tried to move it, it was tough! ya I can see why they did haha

 

Yes 4x4 dash light works fine. and everything you guys have mentioned makes perfect sense. Tonight after work I will remove vac lines and see what happens.
I do have a question about eliminating the vac system and permanent having front axle locked. will it add any wear to my tires or destroy u-joints or anything like that?
My buddy just got a jeep but his is a wheeling ONLY vehicle verses mine being a daily driver. oh and also, do the vac lines need to be plugged or anything?
Thanks to everyone chiming in here. hopefully itll be just in time to get me fixed and out wheeling tomorrow!!!!

 

Understand this:

The factory eliminated this piece of crap design in later years. No ill effects at all.

There's a vacuum switch at the transfer case. Pull off and plug both hoses. You will have no 4wd light. you don't need it anyway.

 

please bare with me, I need some understanding.
so the old CAD dana 30 had vacuum activated locking hubs? correct?
how does the newer style or NON - CAD dana 30 hubs lock up in 4wd?

I got down by the axle after work and as i was removing the 2-hose vacuum plug from the bell shaped diaphram thing I noticed that it was loose and could be twisted in place. Im wondering if thats where the leak or whatever is coming from.

 

that "clicking" sounds like my '90 vac axle .. no noise in 4x4 .. 2x4 noisy .. all day every day


spray some wd40 on your axle to wheel u joints .. if theyre bad .. it will get loud with wd40, how I tested mine

even if they "feel" tight .. they could be shot

just a thought

 

yea I already used about a 1/4 can just on the left u-joint and still clicking.
but thanks for the idea