funky steering/4x4 problem
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 434
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funky steering/4x4 problem
I have been having a problem with the steering and I have narrowed it down to either the hubs and/or the front axle u-joints. My problem is the steering is extremely jerky, feels like a binding. It will be tough to move the steering wheel, then it will break free and turn fine. I thought it might be the old stabilizer shocks so I took them off, but they are smooth. So after thinking about it I noticed the hubs have been getting a little noisy, and rattling, so I took them off and went out for a drive. Every symptom went away. So now the only thing I can think that these being bad would maybe be locking and I also have bad axle ujoints which is the cause of the jerking. The steering has gotten so bad I do not drive it with the hubs installed, it's way too dangerous with them in. Am I on the right track?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
One thought. If the u-joints were bad, you'd have stiff steering even with the hubs unlocked if the u-joint is in the right angle.
Turn the u-joint so one set of cups are straight up and down, and test the steering - best with the wheels off the ground. Then, turn the u-joint 90 degrees, and test again. This will tell you if the u-joints are bad. Although, if they bind up randomly, this test won't help
Turn the u-joint so one set of cups are straight up and down, and test the steering - best with the wheels off the ground. Then, turn the u-joint 90 degrees, and test again. This will tell you if the u-joints are bad. Although, if they bind up randomly, this test won't help
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1
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Your U-joints are probably seized. I went through this not to long ago and it took a long time to figure it out. My u-joints were seized only in one direction so worked fine sometimes. One way to check is to physically turn your u-joint until it is at 45 degrees and then have someone turn the steering wheel. The joint should snap around to the free side allowing normal steering.
Hope that helps if you haven't already got it figured out.
Hope that helps if you haven't already got it figured out.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 668
Likes: 6
From: Northfield, MI
With the truck parked, turn the steering wheel all the way one way (doesn't matter which way.) Jack up one wheel, lock the hub, and spin the tire. A badly seized u-joint will be very apparent. Try both sides, of course.
Literally takes two minutes to do this check.
Literally takes two minutes to do this check.
