4 wheel drive problem(s) with X
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4 wheel drive problem(s) with X
I have a 4X4 2001 X with a V10 and 60,100 miles. At about 45,000 I had to have the transimmision rebuilt and the work was done by my local Ford dealer's service department. I rarely use 4X4, but every month or so I engage it to move fluids around. I did this last week, both in a parking lot and in dirt/grass, and while in 4X4 high and 4X4 low it feels like the front end is binding when turning the wheels in either dircetions. If while turning the wheels u let your foot off the gas the truck comes to a complete stop. Straighten the wheels and it will move. My friend said that it appeared the right rear wheel was "jerking" while in both 4X4 modes. The front CV/U-joints are tight and no defects were noted. In 2wd no problems with turning, etc. Anybody have any suggestions as to what the problem may be?
Last edited by cuno; Oct 6, 2004 at 08:07 AM. Reason: addition of information
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From: Broussard USA
The truck will hurk and jerk when turning in 4X4, try it on a slick surface and see what happens. On hard pack it will hop bound skip jump what ever term you use because the inside tire will bight then release.
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From: NE Texas
Originally Posted by cuno
I have a 4X4 2001 X with a V10 and 60,100 miles. At about 45,000 I had to have the transimmision rebuilt and the work was done by my local Ford dealer's service department. I rarely use 4X4, but every month or so I engage it to move fluids around. I did this last week, both in a parking lot and in dirt/grass, and while in 4X4 high and 4X4 low it feels like the front end is binding when turning the wheels in either dircetions. If while turning the wheels u let your foot off the gas the truck comes to a complete stop. Straighten the wheels and it will move. My friend said that it appeared the right rear wheel was "jerking" while in both 4X4 modes. The front CV/U-joints are tight and no defects were noted. In 2wd no problems with turning, etc. Anybody have any suggestions as to what the problem may be?
Yes, as Daimon said - it's the nature of the beast. I wouldn't be overly concerned. It happens to me all the time.
I suppose you have ESOF?
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by Big Orn
I suppose you have ESOF?
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From: Atlanta, GA
I have a 2000 X 4x4 7.3 and the electronic switch works fine but I can't manually rotate the hubs on the axel. Also, when shifting from inside the cab should the hubs reposition to match the selected position?
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From: NE Texas
Well, since I've set foot in this forum...
Captdave55,
The hubs do not physically change position on the outside when they lock, it locks internally. If you persuade the hubs to lock manually be careful and turn then firmly, but gently. My brother had this problem and turned them with a crescent wrench with tape on the jaws to keep from marring the dial. Try that and see. Once you get them working, just make sure you turn them ever so often to free them up.
Captdave55,
The hubs do not physically change position on the outside when they lock, it locks internally. If you persuade the hubs to lock manually be careful and turn then firmly, but gently. My brother had this problem and turned them with a crescent wrench with tape on the jaws to keep from marring the dial. Try that and see. Once you get them working, just make sure you turn them ever so often to free them up.
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Post Fiend
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From: NE Texas
I think it's important, just in case the vacuum system fails. I think Ford had a good idea when they gave us the option.
Of course some people have driven thousands of miles and have never touched them.
I would make sure they're operational - jmho, though.
Of course some people have driven thousands of miles and have never touched them.
I would make sure they're operational - jmho, though.
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From: Portage Twp, PA
Frozen hubs are extremely common on Xs and Super-Dutys...my dad's '00 X is on its THIRD set of hubs. I TRY to remember to go turn them back and forth a few times once monthly, but I reckon I'm fairly forgetful, otherwise it wouldn't be on it's third set. It's also had the vacuum seals replaced once, so it's probably a good idea to leave the hubs in Auto and throw it in 4-HI once monthly, too.
I don't usually badmouth Ford parts, but those hubs are crap, and they've done nothing to make them better in six years.
If Dad's X should ever need a fourth pair, I'll definitely be checking the aftermarket.
Pat
I don't usually badmouth Ford parts, but those hubs are crap, and they've done nothing to make them better in six years.
If Dad's X should ever need a fourth pair, I'll definitely be checking the aftermarket.Pat
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I think its a good idea, to at least once a month or so, engage the 4x4 for a short ride, so the front axle, differential, etc. can spin some and get lubbed. The front hubs that can manually be locked gives us an excellent way to do this, without having to engage 4x4 and deal with the binding, etc. on paved roads. I really like the idea of hubs that can manually be locked like the Ex has - Ford did us a HUGE favor, by providing that.
Once a month, I just manually lock the hubs (without engaging 4x4), and take the Ex for a short ride. This way, the front axles & differential spin some, but I don't have to deal with the binding, jerking, etc. that happens when you use 4x4 on pavement. Just don't forget to put the hubs back to 'Auto', after you've driven a while.
I don't use the 4x4 but once or twice a year, and you need to let the front axles/differential turn a bit more often than that, or you will have problems with them later, I think.
Will
2003 Excursion V10 4x4
Once a month, I just manually lock the hubs (without engaging 4x4), and take the Ex for a short ride. This way, the front axles & differential spin some, but I don't have to deal with the binding, jerking, etc. that happens when you use 4x4 on pavement. Just don't forget to put the hubs back to 'Auto', after you've driven a while.
I don't use the 4x4 but once or twice a year, and you need to let the front axles/differential turn a bit more often than that, or you will have problems with them later, I think.
Will
2003 Excursion V10 4x4
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From: Florida
Thanks for the reminder... I think I should do that on my X again... haven't turned it manually in a while.
And that's why I love this forum! Always good stuff in here, and if it is just a reminder!
And that's why I love this forum! Always good stuff in here, and if it is just a reminder!
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I talked to my neighbor about this (an '04 F-250 4x4 owner) and he said that his rarely froze up on him if at all. He always turns his 4-wheel drive system on whenever it rains. So the hubs on his 2000 (before he wrecked it) hardly every failed. Just a suggestion......
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[ The front CV/U-joints are tight and no defects were noted. In 2wd no problems with turning, etc. Anybody have any suggestions as to what the problem may be?[/QUOTE]
I know this sounds crazy (this worked alittle in my 90 suburban) front-end alignment was out and made my dana 60 jump and bind real bad when in 4wheel drive. it did'nt take all of it out nothing will, but had it aligned and it took alot of it out. Like it was said some binding is just the nature of the beast
I know this sounds crazy (this worked alittle in my 90 suburban) front-end alignment was out and made my dana 60 jump and bind real bad when in 4wheel drive. it did'nt take all of it out nothing will, but had it aligned and it took alot of it out. Like it was said some binding is just the nature of the beast
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From: East TN
I manually turn my hubs to " lock " position frequently. I have one that is really stiff and the other turns very easy. Anything unusual here.
Oh yeah - it binds and jerks in 4WD just like the rest of them.
Oh yeah - it binds and jerks in 4WD just like the rest of them.
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X four wheel drives are to be used on slippery surfaces only. Turning on hard pavement will cause bucking and binding. Not good for u-joints and transfer case if done frequently. The jeep I traded on my X had a full time four wheel drive selection that could be run on dry pavement without binding. That about the only thing I miss about that ol' thing. Check owners manual for the recomended procedure.