Front Locking Hub
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From: Frederick, MD
I would not do that. Not so sure the wheel would stay on the axle.
but..what would that accomplish?
If you are in 2wd and the hubs are in free or auto (ESOF) then the front axle is not turning anyway.
but..what would that accomplish?
If you are in 2wd and the hubs are in free or auto (ESOF) then the front axle is not turning anyway.
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No, front axles turn 100% of the time but lock within the hub. They do make true lockout hubs but they do not come stock. I need to disengage the axle within the hub to freewheel it. I dont have time to do this for a couple weeks due to work schedule.
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From: Frederick, MD
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So I guess the plot thickens. I have new ball joints and tires (about 5,000 miles ago). Everything feels balanced and no vibrations. Everything else in the front end is tight.
But the truck now has a very noticeable wander. Wander is an understatement. Going straight you can watch the steering wheel move left to right 1-2" and you can feel it for lack of a better term camming over from center back and forth. The steering also does not return to center after turning. Discount tire gave me the idea of the u-joints but if the axles are not turning that does not make sense. Could it be the steering gearbox? But I don't know why it would have a mind of its own just trying to maintain a straight line.
But the truck now has a very noticeable wander. Wander is an understatement. Going straight you can watch the steering wheel move left to right 1-2" and you can feel it for lack of a better term camming over from center back and forth. The steering also does not return to center after turning. Discount tire gave me the idea of the u-joints but if the axles are not turning that does not make sense. Could it be the steering gearbox? But I don't know why it would have a mind of its own just trying to maintain a straight line.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
You need to go to a suspension place. Not discount tire.
A complete front end diagnosis is in order.
Based upon what you are saying it is hard to tell but the steering gear appears to be suspect.
Possible tie rod issues or the hubs themselves could even be bad.
I'd recommend you consult maybe a local 4x4 shop for a referral of who they take trucks to for alignments.
Someone who works on these type of trucks and knows them.
Not a tire place that works on a bunch of foreign cars.
A complete front end diagnosis is in order.
Based upon what you are saying it is hard to tell but the steering gear appears to be suspect.
Possible tie rod issues or the hubs themselves could even be bad.
I'd recommend you consult maybe a local 4x4 shop for a referral of who they take trucks to for alignments.
Someone who works on these type of trucks and knows them.
Not a tire place that works on a bunch of foreign cars.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 168
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You need to go to a suspension place. Not discount tire.
A complete front end diagnosis is in order.
Based upon what you are saying it is hard to tell but the steering gear appears to be suspect.
Possible tie rod issues or the hubs themselves could even be bad.
I'd recommend you consult maybe a local 4x4 shop for a referral of who they take trucks to for alignments.
Someone who works on these type of trucks and knows them.
Not a tire place that works on a bunch of foreign cars.
A complete front end diagnosis is in order.
Based upon what you are saying it is hard to tell but the steering gear appears to be suspect.
Possible tie rod issues or the hubs themselves could even be bad.
I'd recommend you consult maybe a local 4x4 shop for a referral of who they take trucks to for alignments.
Someone who works on these type of trucks and knows them.
Not a tire place that works on a bunch of foreign cars.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 168
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That is why I was just going to do the u-joints. I can do those cheaper than a diagnostics and i want to do the inner seals anyways. I am 130,000 hard miles. Did yours do that even though the axles were not turning?
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From: Frederick, MD
Here is something simple you can try if you have the tools needed.
Place the whole front end up on jacks. Ideally under the axle so that everything is hanging free.
Then with a crow bar or a lever of some kind place it under each wheel.
With the crow bar under the wheel lift up while watching the tie rods and such. Look for play.
While up on jacks you can rotate the steering and those front u-joints by manually locking in the hubs as well.
Place the whole front end up on jacks. Ideally under the axle so that everything is hanging free.
Then with a crow bar or a lever of some kind place it under each wheel.
With the crow bar under the wheel lift up while watching the tie rods and such. Look for play.
While up on jacks you can rotate the steering and those front u-joints by manually locking in the hubs as well.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Here is something simple you can try if you have the tools needed.
Place the whole front end up on jacks. Ideally under the axle so that everything is hanging free.
Then with a crow bar or a lever of some kind place it under each wheel.
With the crow bar under the wheel lift up while watching the tie rods and such. Look for play.
While up on jacks you can rotate the steering and those front u-joints by manually locking in the hubs as well.
Place the whole front end up on jacks. Ideally under the axle so that everything is hanging free.
Then with a crow bar or a lever of some kind place it under each wheel.
With the crow bar under the wheel lift up while watching the tie rods and such. Look for play.
While up on jacks you can rotate the steering and those front u-joints by manually locking in the hubs as well.