jerky steering in 4x4 while turning

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Dec 11, 2008 | 11:22 AM

cnowotny

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Central B.C. Canada

jerky steering in 4x4 while turning

Hello truckies:

Can anyone tell me what the most likely cause is for very jerky steering while turning on a sharp radius in 4x4 (forwards and backwards)? It has only recently become bad.

I've also noticed a slight grinding noise (continuous) from the left front wheel (hub?) while in 4x4.

I'm not a mechanic so I'll likely be taking this in to the shop to get fixed and I want to sound like I'm not completely clueless and avoid getting totally hosed.

My apologies if a thread on this already exists. I spent 15 minutes looking but didn't find anything. If it exists, pointing me to that thread would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks,

Chris

Dec 11, 2008 | 11:38 AM

miller_feed

Hook it, I'll pull it.

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 15,037

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From: Grand Lake, La.

You are binding the tires on hard surface. You should not drive in 4x4 on hard surfaces. It does mean your 4x4 is working. Unlock the hubs and shift it out of 4x4 then you will not have the binding.

Dec 11, 2008 | 11:47 AM

KelVarnson

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,852

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cnowotny

Jerkiness in tight turns while in 4wd is normal for these trucks, as they have u-joints (rather than CV joints) in the ends of the front axle. Quick version: u-joints cause a variation in rotational speed when they have an angle on them, CV joints do not. So your driveline is turning a constant speed, but the front u-joints are trying to make your front wheels vary in speed during every revolution. Naturally you will feel this in the steering wheel.

You should only be using 4wd in low-traction conditions, for this and other reasons (like overall driveline binding).

As for the grinding, I think others may weigh in here. You say it only happens in 4wd?

Dec 11, 2008 | 12:21 PM

cnowotny

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Central B.C. Canada

Thanks to both for your responses: However, is there a potential problem that might be lurking given that the jerking has only recently become very noticeable

Dec 11, 2008 | 12:59 PM

cmpd1781

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Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 20,589

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From: Charlotte, NC

Describe 'grinding'.......

Brake pads?

I'm going through my own version of hell with rear brake issues.........

But ditto on the 'no 4X4 on hard surfaces' posts.......