Hello! I have a Dodge Durango 2000 which makes loud noises when I brake on an incline - whether up or down, or any sudden braking. It sounds like all four wheels are being engaged but bumpy and noisy like metal knuckles rocking over each other. I have tried to re-establish the 2 wheel drive - by putting it into Neutral on the drive panel, then going into reverse, then back into 2 wheel drive. . .thanks for any ideas you may offer.

 

I could be way off on this but my first guess would be bad front ball joints.
Have those been replaced on your truck?

If the noises are really coming from the front and rear of the vehicle then I have no answer.

What makes you so sure that the vehicle is still in 4-wheel drive?

 

Actually it is a Dodge Durango station wagon. We have not had it long.
It was purchased in Arizona, driven to Texas, used for 2 months, stored for 3 months, and driven to Utah, then WA. No telling what happened while on route from Texas to WA. None of this was happening in Texas. I was advised that it was possibly not completely into the 2 wheel drive due to slippage? I'm concerned that it is dangerous to drive like this.

 

does it make a popping sound when turning, especially at low speeds. if so its probably the ball joints. I doubt that this has anything to do with the 4 wheel drive at all, however the reversing while turning procedure is the correct way to go back to 2wd if you have an awd transfer case (has both 4HI FT and 4HI PT on the shifter).

My guess is that something is out of whack with the brakes. Check to make sure the rear drums are in alignment and that the pads are good, as well as checking the front brake pads too. The rear is more likely to cause what you were describing.

The last possible thing I can think of that it could be is wheel bearings, but I doubt that too.

Just to clear some things up also, not completely disengaging 4wd is due to binding not slippage.