High frequency vibration in 4x4, anyone experience this?

[Shane W]

Getting some nasty wintery weather in SE Michigan. I have used 4x4 off road but never on till tonight. Roads were smooth but ice covered so I put it in slippery mode (4A) and when the rear tires would lose traction it would engage the 4x4, as it should. I could hear a faint high pitched vibration and also feel it through the pedals on my feet. Doesn't really bother me, I just don't recall my JL Rubicon doing that. I also double checked it was only in 4x4 by selecting 2H and accelerating and then again in 4x4H and would do it every time. Didn't get any results searching so thought I would see if anyone else has experienced this?

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[TX-Dennis]

I get a subtle whine in 4A. It's almost a high pitched jet engine sound similar to the older Dodge truck 5.7 engine acceleration sound. Mine isn't really a vibration, or at least I wouldn't describe it's as such, but it definitely sounds different under acceleration. I assume the sound is coming from the front diff, but I could be wrong.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Getting some nasty wintery weather in SE Michigan. I have used 4x4 off road but never on till tonight. Roads were smooth but ice covered so I put it in slippery mode (4A) and when the rear tires would lose traction it would engage the 4x4, as it should. I could hear a faint high pitched vibration and also feel it through the pedals on my feet. Doesn't really bother me, I just don't recall my JL Rubicon doing that. I also double checked it was only in 4x4 by selecting 2H and accelerating and then again in 4x4H and would do it every time. Didn't get any results searching so thought I would see if anyone else has experienced this?

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[5GENIDN]

Just a su

Getting some nasty wintery weather in SE Michigan. I have used 4x4 off road but never on till tonight. Roads were smooth but ice covered so I put it in slippery mode (4A) and when the rear tires would lose traction it would engage the 4x4, as it should. I could hear a faint high pitched vibration and also feel it through the pedals on my feet. Doesn't really bother me, I just don't recall my JL Rubicon doing that. I also double checked it was only in 4x4 by selecting 2H and accelerating and then again in 4x4H and would do it every time. Didn't get any results searching so thought I would see if anyone else has experienced this?

Just a suggestion.... If you want to know if it is coming from the transfer case OR from the differential OR some other part downstream of the transfer case...

I would find and smooth area... preferably in dirt or snow but I might even try this on (how dare I)... dry pavement..... and try it in 4H and see if you get the same "vibration". at least then you would know if it is the clutch system in the transfer case (used in 4A only) or something else.

EDIT: rereading i am now focused on:

"I also double checked it was only in 4x4 by selecting 2H and accelerating and then again in 4x4H and would do it every time"

So you did try 4H...???? Was it emanating this "whining vibration" in BOTH 4A and 4H???? Not in 2H got that part.... It is in 4A got that part as well .... I am just not quite clear on 4H...

The only difference between 4A and 4H would be the clutch system in the transfer case (4A) vs direct gear engagement (4H). They both turn the front drive shaft front diff front axle and all the related parts....

 

[Shane W]

EDIT: rereading i am now focused on:

"I also double checked it was only in 4x4 by selecting 2H and accelerating and then again in 4x4H and would do it every time"

So you did try 4H...???? Was it emanating this "whining vibration" in BOTH 4A and 4H???? Not in 2H got that part.... It is in 4A got that part as well .... I am just not quite clear on 4H...

The only difference between 4A and 4H would be the clutch system in the transfer case (4A) vs direct gear engagement (4H). They both turn the front drive shaft front diff front axle and all the related parts....

Yes I did try it in 4H and same result. While doing this the roads were ice covered which is why I feel I had the same result in 4A. While stabbing the throttle it would go into 4x4

 

[5GENIDN]

4A and 4H - subtle whine and vibration
2H - not there

Yes it is probably the front differential gears under load.

 

[JadeMyWorld]

I can feel slight vibration and hum when the transfer case is in 4A, it’s not constant. Don’t know if this is just a Ford thing, will mention this to the dealership in my next service.

 

[H11F]

I noticed this today on my '24 Bronco Wildtrak. Driving on the highway, still a decent amount of slush. I was in slippery mode. I could feel what I'd describe as a vibration in the pedal, and it sounded different too. Went to normal mode... Sound and feel gone. While in normal mode, I engaged 4A, felt it at first but it went away as power wasn't delivered to the front wheels (I have the power distribution screen up on the dash). Might have to bring this up at a service appointment, it felt / sounded rather "off". Any others with this experience or a resolution (if it requires it, that is)?


Thanks.

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