Occasional grinding noise front right of 96 3.1..

[mudgrip4]

Have recently replaced g/box and t/case in my 96 3.1 - non TOD model with factory fixed hubs. Brakes also done. But am getting intermittent grinding graunching sound from front right. May last just a touch, or couple of seconds. With drivetrain and brakes all good am trying to figure what it is. Can't find any stones.. Not too much else to the front - CV shaft? wheel bearing (no consistent noise, defective fixed hub? Can't figure what it is. Any thoughts?

[geeves]

It might be the break pads but from your description I would have another look for a stone

[mudgrip4]

First thing I thought of.. Had brakes checked today - pretty good - all good. Where the bl**dy hell could a stone lodge. Have looked everywhere I can. Sometimes this happens, I'll stop and reverse and it goes away. You'd expect a fricking stone to drop out - often do on reversing, but..... Can those fixed hubs give trouble - can't think how?

[Chchbiggie]

have you checked the needle roller bearing in back of stub axle? as the cv will be rotating with the fixed hubs

[mudgrip4]

No - trying to find an exploded parts diagram for that. Found this good discussion from 10 years ago on this issue - useful:

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2404

Intermittent problems hardest to track. Dam thing is perfect - until.. Will get jack under front this weekend and rotate front wheels to see if bearings ok or rumbling. Process of elimination.

[geeves]

Right. First it will only grind in 4wd unless your free wheel hubs are engaged. The needle roller is a good suspect though. To get at it is a pain although not by Isuzu standards. Take the stub axle off and check it with a finger through the hole the axle goes through. Dive the bearing out from the other side and take the bearing to your local bearing company. Last one I did was about $30. Be gentle tapping it back in

[mudgrip4]

Did check in weekend.. Wheel bearings good, but huge movement in wheel from upper outer ball joint. Real top/bottom wobble - completely worn out. Will start by replacing that..

[mudgrip4]

Ok got to the bottom of the noises, squeaks, weird stuff coming from front right wheel area. Took off and replaced the upper/outer balljoint - it was completely slogged out - hardly held together. With new one fitted ($31 trade) all is now tight, quiet and as it should be.

Still getting red engine light coming on very occasionally and code (so far as these are reliable) suggests crank angle sensor. Mounted down below alternator. May need to try secondhand one as haven't located new replacement. Any ideas re sourcing/working on these?

[geeves]

holden dealer?

[stardog]

I didn't think the 3.1 td had a crank sensor do you have a photo of it as I'm curious of what it looks like as when i bought my 94 mu the guy gave me lots of spare parts with it there is one thing labeled crank sensor but didn't fit anywhere on a 94 3.1
engine that i could find if i remember he worked for Isuzu .