Hello, new to the Wrangler and this forum...
I have a stock 2014 Wrangler Sahara with 140 000 km.
When in 4WD, there is a lot of resistance to front wheel spin and a low grinding noise when the wheel is turned. When driving straight, both the noise and the wheel spin resistance disappear and it shifts fine in and out of 4WD.
I haven't changed the front differential fluid yet or removed the cover to inspect it yet.

Any diagnostic tips or thoughts on what the exact issue may be?

Thanks.

 

Stupid question, but are you on dry pavement when trying to turn in 4wd. You should not be doing that as it causes bad things to happen. 4wd is to be used when your tires are on some material that allows them to spin and slide a little.

 

the issue happens on snow also but not as pronounced

 

Can you pinpoint general location "grinding" noise is coming from? Is this "resistance" only with steering turned full lock? You should expect some u-joint binding in 4WD at full lock, but can't tell if you're describing more of a gradual turn or not, but a grinding noise is not normal either way. I'd suspect this is u-joint related as it settles out when going straight. This does not sound diff related to me.

 

I would more accurately describe the sound as a low pitched moan. I can't localize it other than definitely in the front end.
I think it's worse proportionately with greater wheel turning. I have replaced a bad driveshaft U joint in another car before where the vibration and noise was affected by speed which is not the case here. CV joint?

 

I have the same problem, can You please let me know what was solution. Many thanks 🙏

 

All the crap on roads in winter, Ontario location I would say you need to replace the axle u-joints. Be careful putting them back in as they scrape dirt on the ends going in and could spell disaster for the seals if a bit of grit gets on them. I can turn on dry pavement in 4WD and get no noises, just the bucking and jumping.