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4x4 Auto front-end binding

I have a 2002 explorer that about 3 months ago started binding in the front-end when making sharp (usually slow) turns. Though intermittent, the problem appeared to only happen in reverse (when backing out of my driveway). More recently, I've been towing a trailer, and the problem appears whenever I make a sharp turn (moving forward this time). Although I tow the trailer weekly on a regular basis, it has been daily recently, and in tight spaces. The trailer tongue weight is about

300-400 pounds. With the trailer removed, I can't reproduce the problem with any predictability.

I had the front brakes replaced around the same time that the problem started. Could this have anything to do with the problem? Like something didn't get replaced or reconnected properly?

Is there some other mechanical or electronic failure that would cause this? If so, would this be considered part of the drivetrain for warranty purposes?

Reply to
my02explorer
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My '97 AWD V8 did something similar when the universal joint in the front drive shaft went. The difference is there were NO signs of the failure. It just completely failed one day, and the "binding" was constant, and got worse when you tried to turn. Seems premature on a

2002, but sounds somewhat similar.

-joe

Reply to
Joe Rizza

In researching this problem I found many references to a "brown wire mod" that disables the "4x4 Auto" feature. Some claiming that it leaves 4x4 High and 4x4 Low as is, and others claiming that it changes them to 2WD also. Can anyone provide more info on how (and if) this can be applied to a 2002 explorer?

Obviously this won't fix my problem, but it might allow me to alleviate the binding as needed. I would plan on enabling the 4x4 Auto feature each time I bring it in for service, and ask them to look again and see if they can find the problem.

I also found that removing fuses 17 & 18 in the panel in the engine compartment effectively eliminates the binding problem as well, but I don't know what else it might affect.

Reply to
my02explorer

I thought that mod was for the auto-4xhigh-4xlow trucks that the owners wanted to add a powertrax or similar type of front L/S . that "brown wire mod also needed a good quality switch that would take them back to stock mode.the switch should also have a protective cover {flip-switch} to protect from accidental switching while in turns on dry pavement. do a search for "if your 4x4 switch looks like this......on the "explorer

4x4.com" website
Reply to
anonomizer

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