4wd humming sound

bugman · 08-05-2007, 06:43 PM

the other day i was in 4 high on wet road and it was making a very noticeable humming sound. when i took it out of 4wd the humming sound went away. it's like a roaring pulsating humming sound. any ideas? thanks in advance for your comments. oh yeah, by the way these trucks sure do want to hydroplane. has anyone else noticed this? i almost always have to put mine in 4wd high when the roads are wet or have alot of water on them. i almost lost it not to long ago, going to fast in the rain...lol. thanks again bug.

08-06-2007, 08:06 AM

4WD is NOT meant to be used on wet roads...the noise you heard was the drivetrain under strain/stress because you had it bound up from being in 4wd. If you want a grenaded tcase, worn joints, or failed driveline components, then by all means.

4wd is NOT the solution for your problem...slowing down, better tires, or both are better solutions for rain. 4wd is only meant for slippery loose surfaces such as sand, mud, or snow. Not wet roads.

steved

***Dad*** · 08-06-2007, 08:26 AM

Ditto on the no 4WD on wet roads. That is a trip to the ditch looking for a place to happen. As a rule of thumb, I don't usually drive over 30-40MPH in 4WD. Your BFG's should be able to handle some water, but, the tread design isn't optimal for pumping water like many road tires are. Also, in general, pickups are very light in the rear. If you aren't used to driving one, they can bite you. Might try putting 200 pounds or so in the bed to plant the rear if you are having a lot of problems.

chevyk30 · 08-06-2007, 08:57 AM

You need to go read up on the differences between 4WD and AWD, it is a truck not a subaru.

bugman · 08-06-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyk30

You need to go read up on the differences between 4WD and AWD, it is a truck not a subaru.

i know what i'm driving, and the dealer told me that i could drive it on wet roads in 4 high only to prevent hydrolpaning. they also stated that you can drive as fast as you want in 4high, and that there wasn't a set speed you needed to stay under in 4 high. i've drove 4 wheel drives my whole life and never had any problems with it on wet roads. i was just concerned about the humming sound. i know it is designed for off road, however, it can also be used on wet roads as long as you need the extra traction. i know it's terrible on it if you are on dry pavement.

08-06-2007, 10:02 PM

Your dealer is stupid and misinformed, and should be reported to Chrysler...

Read your manual, it states "...use 4H and 4L driving positions for low traction conditions only (mud, sand, or snow). Do not use four wheel drive on dry, hard surfaced road."

I don't really care, not my truck...but don't cry when your replacing driveline prematurely because of using 4wd on hard (non-slippery) roads. I knew people that did as you are doing with a Suburban and they replaced most of the driveline components before 25k.

steved

**Duluth Diesel** · 08-06-2007, 10:09 PM

I'm going to agree with steved on this one. Your dealer is painfully misinformed and incorrect. Wet pavement is much too tractive to allow the use of a part-time 4x4 system. You will cause transfer case damage doing this. This isn't the first case of a dealer telling customers whatever it takes to sell a vehicle.

-Chuck

08-06-2007, 10:21 PM

And another thing (just some food for thought)...what good is 4wd going to be against hydroplaning?? Hydroplaning is the process by which the truck is literally lifted or floated above the surface of the road on a film of water. How is 4wd going to prevent this floating???? Having power to all four wheels will not prevent the truck from "floating"...

I restate, two things you need to do: get better tires for rain and slow down during rainstorms.

steved

BigB82789 · 08-06-2007, 10:22 PM

My old 1500 4x4 would make the same noise you are describing on snow and ice(only times i'd use it). I really didnt look into to it too far, and it never hurt anything..

***pro99*** · 08-06-2007, 10:41 PM

Hey Bugman Don't take it so hard but we are just trying to help you in the long run. The Dealer is wrong about 4wd on rainy roads I know because I am a tech at one. They do give out the wrong info time to time:fist: I would say get better tires or weigh down the bed a little more to help out. I can see at times putting it in 4wd to start from a stop but pull it back into 2wd as soon as possible.:thumbsup

bugman · 08-06-2007, 11:24 PM

i'm not taking anything hard, i was just wondering about the humming sound. i sure would like some more info on this. i read my manual and it stated that 4 high may be used on any slick, wet roads, sand, mud, etc... and you can engage 4 high at any speed and drive it just like you were in 2wd, permitting conditions. 4wd low is a totally different story however. i really would think that on wet roads if there are any significant puddles or areas of water that it would be ok. anyways thanks for the comments. and all four tires do not have to leave the pavement to hydroplane...just food for thought........

Cummins4x4 · 08-07-2007, 09:07 AM

I noticed the sound you're talking about. I don't think it's anything to worry about. On another note; I always thought my old '05 & new '06 DON'T hydroplan easy. Now just driving on a wet road, my '05's tires (bfg Rugged Trail) sucked big time...no traction at all - I drove in 4wd alot when the roads where wet. Figured if i can't get traction in 2wd it won't hurt to drive in 4wd.