Rubbing noise in front end only in 2wd not 4wd
 

I have a 1996 s10 Blazer 4wd that is making a wierd rubbing noise in the front end when in 2wd. I looked around to see if anything was stuck or rubbing but could see nothing visually. When I put the truck in 4wd the noise goes away. Is it a problem with my front axels not disengauging all the way outta 4wd? It sound like a mudflap caught in the tires. Any ideas? Thanks

RE: Rubbing noise in front end only in 2wd not 4wd
 

I had/have a similar problem see:4wd to 2wd - 12/6/2008 3:48:45 PM
I get a lope or scraping sound at about 25mph when I switch from 4wd-lo to 2wd. I always can get it to go away by switching back and forth a few times. Driving on the freeway seems to help. I was guessing that its not totally disengaged. It was bad in the summer. I had the transfer case fluid changed. Its cold now and I use the 4wd a lot. Havent had the problem recently. Maybe the fluid or use has something to do with it. Hope this helps.

RE: Rubbing noise in front end only in 2wd not 4wd
 

Mine hasnt done it in 2 weeks then today it did it again and i went from 2wd to 4wd and back to 2wd and now its fine again. I dont know what the problem is. Even though switching it back and forth works I would like to fix the problem for good.

I'm having this same problem with my truck but going back and forth from 4 to 2 isn't helping. I can't make it go away. Has anyone come up with a solution yet?

My 97 blazer did the same thing until tonight. I replaced the transfer case vacuum switch and checked the actuator and cable. I then drove it and it still made all kinds of noise which seemed like from the passenger side front tire area. It turned out the front differential was low on oil. The problem instantly went away. I took it out for about 15 miles and it didn't make any noise in 2WD. I did notice my actuator under the battery was full of tranny fluid. Is that normal?

I think I remember reading that if the actuator is full of tranny fluid that's not normal. I forget where I read that, but in my searching I did see that's not supposed to happen. Bad seal when u changed vac switch maybe?

I have had the similar noise coming from the front pass side. Mine would start when i'm on the e-way doing about 80-85. The sound would begin like a high pitch whine, and as i got slower the noise got slower and sounded more deep(like bass). It sounded like a clicking or flapping noise. And visually there was nothing wrong. After a mechanic inspection, the same thing happened.. put it in 4wd and back to 2 and the problem went away. It happened a second time and the problem went away after i turned the wheel all the way to the right. I'm not about to spend a stack on an axle job when it might be something simple. I do a lot of highway miles and it only happens around 80-85, i can do 70 all day and its fine.

Same problem on 96 Blazer. Started making noise at 70 mph and would quit when it got down to 40 mph. Now it starts about 55 mph and quits around 25 mph. I checked the actuator and cable and they seem to be working fine. I have also replaced several suspect vacuum lines. I can hear it switching in the front differential when I take it in and out of 4H. In 4 wheel drive the noise goes away. Also, my switch for 2 wheel drive on the dash never lights up. Is it supposed too? 4H an 4L light up. Just wondering if that might point to a problem or if anyone knows what may be the problem inside the differential. Where can I get a rebuild kit and how much, if I do need one?