4x4 cluncking when turning
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4x4 cluncking when turning
Ok...here is my story, I got my first diesel about a month ago...an '03 F350 Super Duty. I recently noticed some problems with the front end and had it in the shop. One of the hubs were shot (new from the sound I could hear) had them replaced along with hub seals and steering damper. Now $900.00 later I have a new issue...
With the hubs in either the manual or auto position when 4x4 is engauged and make a tight turn either direction I get a very "hard" knocking sound and my truck "lurches" like something is catching or binding up. I took it back to the shop and had it inspected and all external parts are in good working order (or so I was told). This problem only occurs when in 4wd and only when turning hard...
Any thoughts?
Thanks....
With the hubs in either the manual or auto position when 4x4 is engauged and make a tight turn either direction I get a very "hard" knocking sound and my truck "lurches" like something is catching or binding up. I took it back to the shop and had it inspected and all external parts are in good working order (or so I was told). This problem only occurs when in 4wd and only when turning hard...
Any thoughts?
Thanks....
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From: Prince George
When I have this happen to my 4x4's it usually meant u-joints (easy fix). But you said you had it in the shop, I'm sure even an apprentice would have caught this. If they inspected all the external parts then it could be in the differential, but it sure sounds like u-joints.
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As the previous posts said, it's normal. If you are in 4 x 4 and the tires have good adhesion, there's no front/rear differential to equalize the difference between the radius being traveled by the tires on the inside of the turn and those on the outside of the turn. Therefore, it binds up and lurches.
This is why you should never drive in 4 x 4 on dry roads or other such conditions where you have good tire adhesion.
This is why you should never drive in 4 x 4 on dry roads or other such conditions where you have good tire adhesion.
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From: Prince George
That is the other possible for this lurching binding feeling, the thought did not cross my mind as we have 4 feet of snow right now so there is NO chance of good adhesion right now, just slip and slide. Yes on hard surface with good grip this is a normal response when in 4x4 and doing a tight turn.
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That is the other possible for this lurching binding feeling, the thought did not cross my mind as we have 4 feet of snow right now so there is NO chance of good adhesion right now, just slip and slide. Yes on hard surface with good grip this is a normal response when in 4x4 and doing a tight turn.
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It is normal. If you happen to be in 4x4 and turning hard avoid giving it to much gas. I've split open two axle shaft by turning hard at highr speeds.
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As the previous posts said, it's normal. If you are in 4 x 4 and the tires have good adhesion, there's no front/rear differential to equalize the difference between the radius being traveled by the tires on the inside of the turn and those on the outside of the turn. Therefore, it binds up and lurches.
The fact that the rear driveline is hard-coupled to the front driveline ensures that the front axle shafts will be driven at a constant velocity, but, the front u-joints, with angle on them, are attempting to drive the front wheels with a pulsating velocity.
U-joints are NOT ideal for front axles. They really should be CV joints. But, in most conditions in which you would use 4wd, the error is acceptable.
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hubs
I have this very same problem. It only happens on the driver side. The hubs are operated by vaccum. I had the seal leak and a small amount of grease got into the vaccum lines not allowing them to operate fully. Once there was so much leakage they would not go into 4x4 from the cab so I had get out and turn the hubs by hand. Ford fixed this 4 times HA HA. So now I get out and turn them every time, but you still need to turn the switch. I ended up backing up a couple of feet and sometimes that works to get rid of the noise, but only at the time I turn the hubs, if I waited after turning the hubs it would not work . But its always the driver side. So I ended up switching the hubs from side to side to see if it transfer the noise to the rh side, so far so good. It's a ford problem!!!!!!!
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I was actually on a snow packed colorado mountain dirt road....and yes, the u-joints were checked and found to be in near new condition....
I work in the Colorado Oilfields and the road that I use to get to and from my work location is VERY steep and slick...there is no way in h**l I can come off the mountain in 2w/d or avoid the tight turns. 2 w/d will not go up or down the hills safely...if at all
I work in the Colorado Oilfields and the road that I use to get to and from my work location is VERY steep and slick...there is no way in h**l I can come off the mountain in 2w/d or avoid the tight turns. 2 w/d will not go up or down the hills safely...if at all
Last edited by JAYSF350; Feb 26, 2009 at 04:58 PM. Reason: additional comments
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Put my truck on jack stands today, all 4 tires off the ground, started it and put in 4x4 still get the clunking when wheels are turned either direction only with 4x4 in and hubs in manual or auto....any more ideas???
