Originally Posted by
bubbasz1
Actually that's not correct, even with the hubs unlocked if the front U joint spins at all and ends up so when you turn the seized joint won't want to let the wheel turn or return until it is forced to move(hence the hard turning pressure) or it spins ever so slightly so it will turn. Unless it is frozen in both directions and if that's the case it will give your steering fits.
Actually, it is correct as there is
NO mechanical link driving the axle shaft when the hubs are unlocked, just friction. Any motion from the knuckle is either going to cause the u-joint to slow down or speed up to get past the "binding" point.
If the u-joint is siezed, the axle shaft will adjust speed when the knuckle is moved as its not mechanically connected in the hub if the hub is unlocked. All in all, if the hubs are verified "unlocked" you won't feel any feedback from them if they are siezed or not unless it's in 4x4.