Tapping noise when decelerating in 4WD

[Darth Rubicon]

So I’ve been hearing a tapping sound only when slowing down in 4WD nothing while accelerating. Wouldn’t call it a knock just a light tapping. At first I thought it might me a wheel center cap but they’re tight and that’s unlikely. Thinking maybe axle shaft? What should I do next to narrow down the source.

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[Bandit’s Lair]

So it’s only in 4WD. And only when not under load. Does it get consistently slower as you slow down? At any time did you hear or notice any louder popping noises? And have you tried engaging the front locker after hearing the noise? Sorry for the questions but that will help narrow it down a bit. If you have a FAD thingy definitely check that.

 

[Darth Rubicon]

So it’s only in 4WD. And only when not under load. Does it get consistently slower as you slow down? At any time did you hear or notice any louder popping noises? And have you tried engaging the front locker after hearing the noise? Sorry for the questions but that will help narrow it down a bit. If you have a FAD thingy definitely check that.

Haven’t noticed anything effecting the speed of the tapping only that it stops when I come to a complete stop or am accelerating. I thought I heard a pop at full lock to the left but couldn’t duplicate it. Have not tried engaging front locker. It does have a FAD. I was going to mess around with it more in the morning to try and narrow it down better.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Pop at full lock I’m assuming you’ve gone over your outer Cs if you haven’t gone to RCV axles. Thought if it was outer C related it shouldn’t matter if under load or not as they’re still spinning. Also do try to engage front locker. See if you get any noise. Not happening when not under load tells it’s something axle/differential/axle shaft related.

 

[Darth Rubicon]

Pop at full lock I’m assuming you’ve gone over your outer Cs if you haven’t gone to RCV axles. Thought if it was outer C related it shouldn’t matter if under load or not as they’re still spinning. Also do try to engage front locker. See if you get any noise. Not happening when not under load tells it’s something axle/differential/axle shaft related.

The pop could have been a hallucination on my part because I couldn’t get it to happen again. Everything looked good to the super quick eye test. This will probably force me to finally go RCV for sure.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I have em and they’re pretty good for peace of mind. I also love the fact that the pervious owner built the stock axle up like crazy so I don’t really have to. A little more maintenance but that just involves a couple squirts of grease with every oil change and tire rotation. 1 less thing I’m likely to break when I see a big rock and do something stupid.

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