Pulsing and slight binding when making slow turns in 4x4 high
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 339
Likes: 24
From: Eastern Central VA
Pulsing and slight binding when making slow turns in 4x4 high
Hi folks. I notice that the Excursion steering pulses and binds a bit (like refusing to go anywhere for a second) when I make a turn at very slow speeds. The 4x4 function works amazingly well in the winter for sure so that is functional. The locking hubs on the front have been replaced with manual ones. ESOF is just complicated enough to make me wonder and I don't want to overthink anything.
I would naturally think that the rear diff fluid doesn't have additive but not sure that this would effect the front where I could feel it a bit in the steering wheel while it is happening. It runs fine at speed.
I know that I am not supposed to run 4x4 on dry pavement and I don't. When this starts to happen I just throw it into 2wd for a second and all is fine.
All shocks are new if relevant.
Any idea what is going on here? The ranger doesn't act like this. You would never know that 4x4 is engaged during a slow turn.
Thanks.
I would naturally think that the rear diff fluid doesn't have additive but not sure that this would effect the front where I could feel it a bit in the steering wheel while it is happening. It runs fine at speed.
I know that I am not supposed to run 4x4 on dry pavement and I don't. When this starts to happen I just throw it into 2wd for a second and all is fine.
All shocks are new if relevant.
Any idea what is going on here? The ranger doesn't act like this. You would never know that 4x4 is engaged during a slow turn.
Thanks.
Last edited by excursion_7.3; Feb 10, 2026 at 02:14 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,065
Likes: 1,415
From: Oologah, OK
I have to go forward / reverse / forward / reverse
several times to make triple darn sure that the hubs truly unlocked, and mine are manual also.
except on the Suburban, they are hidden, don't even know it is a 4wd unless you look at the dash.
several times to make triple darn sure that the hubs truly unlocked, and mine are manual also.
except on the Suburban, they are hidden, don't even know it is a 4wd unless you look at the dash.
FTE NC Chapter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 68
From: Coastal NC
One guess would be that you have to much traction and don't really need 4wd. You're binding and getting wheel hop. You could try reducing your turn radius and make a 6 point turn instead of a 4 point turn.
Check to make sure the manual hubs are fully locked and engaged. You may need to pull them and check the internals and service appropriately.
If you aren't having any issues in 2wd then it's unlikely that it's your drag link, traction bar, ball joints or u-joints.
Try getting into something where you will get full wheel slip and see if it's still binding. Not just gravel or a dirt road but something sloppy/slippery. You shouldn't get hop/binding but your turning radius is still reduced.
These are big trucks with a lot of weight and force put on the front end. A comparison to your ranger isn't exactly apples to apples.
Binding is pretty normal if you have too much traction and the fact that it smooths out when you switch it to 2wd leads me to think you don't really need 4wd in that specific moment.
All just food for thought. A good inspection of the front end components and 4wd assembly may uncover any real issues if any are present.
Check to make sure the manual hubs are fully locked and engaged. You may need to pull them and check the internals and service appropriately.
If you aren't having any issues in 2wd then it's unlikely that it's your drag link, traction bar, ball joints or u-joints.
Try getting into something where you will get full wheel slip and see if it's still binding. Not just gravel or a dirt road but something sloppy/slippery. You shouldn't get hop/binding but your turning radius is still reduced.
These are big trucks with a lot of weight and force put on the front end. A comparison to your ranger isn't exactly apples to apples.
Binding is pretty normal if you have too much traction and the fact that it smooths out when you switch it to 2wd leads me to think you don't really need 4wd in that specific moment.
All just food for thought. A good inspection of the front end components and 4wd assembly may uncover any real issues if any are present.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 156
From: Sedalia, CO
Pulsing and binding when turning with 4wd engaged on dry ground sounds perfectly normal. You aren't going to get a lot of slip on a vehicle with a literal ton of weight on each wheel. FWIW, mine performs exactly the same way.
Mark
Mark
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 339
Likes: 24
From: Eastern Central VA
Thanks for all of the posts. Maybe I am ignorant but I keep the front hubs locked at all times for just in case moments. Is that wrong? I searched around here and I don't think that I am the only one. Pardon my ignorance of the system. I am used to living an AWD life.
I am reading through your posts too.
I am reading through your posts too.
Last edited by excursion_7.3; Feb 11, 2026 at 02:23 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,665
Likes: 986
From: Near Yosemite CA
I leave all my trucks locked year round, some will come on here and say that's a no-no, you'll wear out parts and hurt your mileage etc.... I DO try to remember to unlock them if I head down the mtn or going on a long trip or freeway running, but for the most part, they are locked all the time, your truck, your choice.
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 955
Likes: 103
I also have had my hubs manually locked all year , most of the last 15 years , because the vacuum hubs dont work , and I dont feel like messing withe them .
to issues with driverrain wear or damage , and doubtful there is any fuel milage harm .
it is common enough with the locked hubs , in 4x4 high , to get a slight binding on a hard dry surface , usually not real noticeable .
4x4 low , will be quite dramatic , recommend not to do that .
to issues with driverrain wear or damage , and doubtful there is any fuel milage harm .
it is common enough with the locked hubs , in 4x4 high , to get a slight binding on a hard dry surface , usually not real noticeable .
4x4 low , will be quite dramatic , recommend not to do that .
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 156
From: Sedalia, CO
Thanks for all of the posts. Maybe I am ignorant but I keep the front hubs locked at all times for just in case moments. Is that wrong? I searched around here and I don't think that I am the only one. Pardon my ignorance of the system. I am used to living an AWD life.
I am reading through your posts too.
I am reading through your posts too.
Mark
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post