front end problem

[sally_o]

my 96 swb vit is making a real ratchette type noise when it is engaged in 4x4, was thinking front diff but when i dissengage the transfer case it stops even if the hubs r still locked in would this mean more likely the tranfer case?????? im in the proces of putting new wheel bearings and cv boots on it(did drivers side last weekend, passenger will be done over xmas)but seems all fine there otherwise.
also i did weld the rear diff the other day.
any help would be appreciated thank you .

[rustyzook]

dose it happen only at full lock or all the time, could be a CV

[sally_o]

it dosnt matter what lock or even if straight .. just when its in 4x4(tansfer case engaged) it makes the noise

[sally_o]

wow .... so much feed back

[St Jimmy]

First up, it sounds like a cv clicking.
Second, don't go with the attitude, as you will get no one willing to help. There are some good guys out there, just wait and the right answer will come.
regards
me




[PS] this will probably get me banned. under the new rules.

[wideaz]

sounds like the transfer case mate
prob take it to your local mechanic and get them to have a look at it
wont take long
if it is rebuild it and put some s3 gears in them

[Turbo Tonka]

only problem is wideaz that its a vit not a sierra so s3 will be a problem

i myself would be thinking CV mate,a local chick here used to eat CVs in her vitara.see how you go,check if your losing drive etc

[ajsr]

id start by having your cv's checked
other than that if its clicking sraight ahead all the time a mechanic will find it easy if its run on a hoist
cheers andrew

[zookimal]

Definately check to see if it's got drive to the front. Sounds cv/axle related.

[chris.e]

Front driveshaft splines worn?

[Gwagensteve]

Front driveshaft splines worn?

Vitaras don't have splines on the front driveshaft, they have a slip yoke in the transfer that's oil lubricated, so there's almost no chance of wear.

get someone to have a listen to the car as you drive past. It could be transfer related, but when you are in the car, transfer noises tend to sound like they are coming from directly under or behind you.

It might still be CV related - they're only freewheeling until you have the hubs locked and the transfer in 4WD so they won't be seeing any load under any other condition (ie 4WD hubs unlocked/2WD hubs locked)

As has been said, check for front drive and check for the source of the noise.

I its the transfer, I don't think I'd bother getting a vitara transfer rebuilt unless you want to put reduction gears in it. There's lots of cheap vitara transfers kicking around.

steve.

[cj]

I've been hearing lately of a couple Vit t-cases having stretched chains causing issues. If it is the t-case then just pick up another used one as they are pretty cheap because generally nobody wants them.

[cj]

If you do need to get another t-case then make sure you get the right spline on the rear slip yoke as they changed on the later models.