Hello all, I have a 1994 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 with auto 4wd hubs. Recently (past 3-4 months) the 4wd has completely stopped working and I have had a loud tick and then snap from the front left tire about 2/3 of the time when I first start driving. Usually stops when I get above 30-40 mph. The steering wheel also feels very loose when this happens. I am familiar with working primarily on motorcycles so I don't really know what is going on when it comes to hubs. Today I took apart the hub and everything looked good. The spindle inside the hub part that I took off spun freely, but the spindle sticking out of the rotor did not. I will attach pictures. I would appreciate some insight if anyone knows a solution to this or if the hub isn't working correctly.
Thanks, Charles

 

Please ,,, place some addl support under the front . If for some crazy reason the vehicle decides too move, that 1 inch of the jack could cost you dearly !