93 4Runner - front end noise

[BroncoBo]

My truck has had a steady grinding noise in the front end that would stop when I put it in 4WD. Now it's starting to keep doing it even in 4WD. Also, when I step on the gas and the pressure seems to let up on the front end it stops, but starts right back up. It also stops when I turn left, and starts again when I straighten the wheel. Could it be a linkage or sensor problem or maybe both? It's as if when in 2WD it's not coming out of 4WD completely, anyone know what could cause this?

[nlorsung]

sounds like a very similar problem that I have... if you figured it out or anyone else has let me know.. mine also goes CLUNK when it stops..like somethings falling into place. let us know!

[BroncoBo]

To fix my problem I have to replace the spindle because the brass sleeve inside it got worn down too much and it cracked, which caused play in the output shaft. That's the noise, the output shaft grinding up against the cracked brass sleeve.

And when you stop, that clunk noise is the axle hitting against the inside of that brass sleeve.

Hope that helped. I'll try to remember to post back after I replace the spindle if I run into anything else you might need to know.

[nlorsung]

thank you for that reply! im assuming what youre referring to is the output shaft off the differential? if when you do it you could take photos that'd be great. im not 100% sure what youre talking about, but i will probably be able to figure it out.. I have a whole extra front diff so i might just take it apart and see whats what.

thanks so much