BACKGROUND - I have a 1994 Chevy S-10 Blazer with 4x4 on the fly. It has 233,500 miles with a 4.3 turbo engine. Overall, the truck runs great. I just purchased the vehicle a few months ago for $800 and ran it through inspection. It needed only a few minor repairs that my husband took care of (front passenger side upper ball joint, front driver side lower ball joint, rear shocks, muffler). We spent maybe $100 in parts.
PROBLEM - Since I purchased the vehicle in June, when I am driving and get to a speed of about 50 mph, the passenger side front starts making a high pitch noise. There is no difference in the steering when this happens. When I speed up, the noise goes away, when I slow down, it gets louder until about 25-30 mph, and stops with a "clunk." When I had the truck inspected, the inspector did not even know what the problem was. He thought maybe the differential fluid was low. That was checked & the level of fluid is fine. I have asked every one I know who is a mechanic and they are not sure what the problem is either. None of them specialize in 4 wheel drive. Recently, when the noise started, I put it in 4HI (at 50-60 mph) and the noise immediately stopped. I do not know if it is stuck in 4HI or if it is engaging on its own and that is what is causing the noise.
SOLUTIONS - My husband was going to drop the front drive shaft (?) to see if it was a problem with the transfer case or if the hub assembly needed to be changted. After reading several posts on the site, it seems that I may need to replace the actuator. I do not have a lot of more money to put into this truck. The inspector said it was not a safety issue and was ok to drive, but I have a 3 month old baby and do not want to take the chance. Also, winter is coming and I would like my 4 wheel drive to work before the snow comes.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!! :D
Thanks.
Char
PROBLEM - Since I purchased the vehicle in June, when I am driving and get to a speed of about 50 mph, the passenger side front starts making a high pitch noise. There is no difference in the steering when this happens. When I speed up, the noise goes away, when I slow down, it gets louder until about 25-30 mph, and stops with a "clunk." When I had the truck inspected, the inspector did not even know what the problem was. He thought maybe the differential fluid was low. That was checked & the level of fluid is fine. I have asked every one I know who is a mechanic and they are not sure what the problem is either. None of them specialize in 4 wheel drive. Recently, when the noise started, I put it in 4HI (at 50-60 mph) and the noise immediately stopped. I do not know if it is stuck in 4HI or if it is engaging on its own and that is what is causing the noise.
SOLUTIONS - My husband was going to drop the front drive shaft (?) to see if it was a problem with the transfer case or if the hub assembly needed to be changted. After reading several posts on the site, it seems that I may need to replace the actuator. I do not have a lot of more money to put into this truck. The inspector said it was not a safety issue and was ok to drive, but I have a 3 month old baby and do not want to take the chance. Also, winter is coming and I would like my 4 wheel drive to work before the snow comes.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!! :D
Thanks.
Char
Nov 1, 2007 at 4:27 AM