Been hearing a grinding noise from the front end of my 2000 tracker for a while now.It will do it like once every 4-5 min and the whole thing startes shaking.If i run it in 4x4 it will do it alot less often.Seems to do it more at slower speeds.Thought maybe it was the auto locks so i changed to manual locks and still the same.Any ideas where to start.


Thanks

Start by checking your front differential mounting points (3) with a crowbar.

The pinion state mount has a tendency to break loose or literally break apart from the differential casing.


Also check for worn bushings with a crowbar and worn out joints in your drive shafts

Have you inspected your brakes, wheel bearings and CV / shafting yet?     Brake caliper pistons sticking in their bores for one. Wiped wheel bearings for two. On and on...

Have you ruled out any ENGINE related noise? Does it make any noise while at rest and running up the RPMS?

How about rims or tires rubbing on .....

This is my 97 2 door vitara front drive shaft yoke hitting the clutch housing when backing up or downshifting in 4wd when the pinion mount broke loose like this

I had to weld the nut back on because it had broke loose and worked its way through the center plate




Then just one month ago this happened again under severe conditions when i was backing up harshly to avoid rolling the vehicle over. This time the clutch housing broke and the oil pan was severely bent, but not punctured...

So be aware zuki fans, if you bash your car, this is a weak point.