Pulling Wheel
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Pulling Wheel
My 1987 4X4 begins pulling to the left after a while, sometimes even a half an hour after driving. An odor such as hot oil is quite apparent.
If I leave it for a while and it cools down (overnight), everything will be fine for another 15-30mins or sometimes longer.
Thought it was the 4X4 axel, but now think it might be the brakes.
Anyone with similar experience or a guess?
Thanks
If I leave it for a while and it cools down (overnight), everything will be fine for another 15-30mins or sometimes longer.
Thought it was the 4X4 axel, but now think it might be the brakes.
Anyone with similar experience or a guess?
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 265
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From: Northern Indiana
Pulling Wheel
It could be a number of things. I have an '88 E-350 RV and the left front caliper was hanging up. It would heat up over time and eventually start grabbing enough that I could feel the pull to the left side. I ended up changing both front calipers.
It's possible the smell you are smelling is the brake material heating up, or it could be something totally different.
In my opinion, I don't think an axle would cause a pull to one side like that but like I tell people, I'm usually wrong.
It's possible the smell you are smelling is the brake material heating up, or it could be something totally different.
In my opinion, I don't think an axle would cause a pull to one side like that but like I tell people, I'm usually wrong.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 299
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From: central valley California
Pulling Wheel
as stated ealier it can be your caliper
but you did mention the smell of hot oil. bearing grease can give off that smell. So a check of your bearings and your race is in order. hopefully it is not that and you have not scarred the spindle. I have seem many a trucks in my time servicing them in the military and a majority are 4 by with the front axle assembly hanging up because of lack of lube and being over heated
a smell of hot oil is an indication of a severe problem and should be looked into asap. when dealing with drive componets
you could have a leaking wheel cylinder if you have drums and a leaking caliper......
but you did mention the smell of hot oil. bearing grease can give off that smell. So a check of your bearings and your race is in order. hopefully it is not that and you have not scarred the spindle. I have seem many a trucks in my time servicing them in the military and a majority are 4 by with the front axle assembly hanging up because of lack of lube and being over heated
a smell of hot oil is an indication of a severe problem and should be looked into asap. when dealing with drive componets
you could have a leaking wheel cylinder if you have drums and a leaking caliper......
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Northern Indiana
Pulling Wheel
Before changing it you can give it a quick check. Drive it around and when it starts to pull, go home and jack it up quick and try and spin the wheel. If it's bearings I'd think you hear some bad sounds. If it's brakes it should just make an even sound, if you can even turn it.
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Pulling Wheel
You may be able to feel something getting hot to give you some clues, be careful, it may be hot enough to burn you. Compare one side with the other for differences in each part. When it starts pulling hard, park it and look underneath.
This is a routine with me when we are towing cross country. When we stop, I get out and feel the tires and wheel centers. A low tire, hanging brake or dry wheel bearing will make heat before it fails, as a general rule. At the same time I can check hitches, chains, tie downs and lights.
This is a routine with me when we are towing cross country. When we stop, I get out and feel the tires and wheel centers. A low tire, hanging brake or dry wheel bearing will make heat before it fails, as a general rule. At the same time I can check hitches, chains, tie downs and lights.
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Pulling Wheel
Thanks for the help.
Made the test of driving till the problem occurred again, jacked it up and the wheel wouldn't turn.
Moment of truth!!! Going to tear into it tomorrow afternoon. Will post to either indicate my happiness or ask where the parts left over go.
Made the test of driving till the problem occurred again, jacked it up and the wheel wouldn't turn.
Moment of truth!!! Going to tear into it tomorrow afternoon. Will post to either indicate my happiness or ask where the parts left over go.
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From: Northern Indiana
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