crabbing front end

[dpantazis]

ok, this is bugging me. when turning on pavement the truck feels like its in 4H and the front end crabs like its got too much traction. most often its when i am turning in a parking lot. i don;t feel it driving. slow speed maneuvers.

Y2K, 4x4, shift on the fly on dash, auto-vacuum type hubs. last time i was in 4H was 2-3 weeks ago.

i have checked the knobs, both sides are in 'auto'. vacuum line to the thingy-ma-bob on the fender is good, and the lines to each knuckle look good. but if vacuum fails, it wont go into 4Wd right?

i try to cycle 4H monthly to keep things lubed up. living in suburbia where slop is rare, i will switch to and drive in 4H, usually straight down the lane, stop at the stop sign, go back to 2H, then back up a couple of truck lengths, then go forward. did this in the 'cruiser, the 'sploder too. i never had an issue with the hubs on either.

thoughts?

dennis

 

[patrickc]

The 4wd button on the dash controls both the hubs and the transfer case. It sounds to me like the front hubs are still engaged but the transfer case is disengaged therefore the tires are fighting one another. In other words the hubs are stuck in lock mode. It only takes about ten minutes to take both front hubs out and check them.

 

[bushpilot]

patrick share w/ us how you "check em" or unlock 'em...

 

[patrickc]

The easiest way to tell is to remove the hubs from the truck. (remove the large round c-clip and slide the hub out) The outerside (outer plastic) and innerside (where the axle goes) should spin separate from one another if so they are unlocked. It's been a while and I can't quite remember how to manually disengage the hubs once they are removed from the truck, but it can be done.

I know that the last time mine starting acting up (wouldn't engage or disengage properly) I went and bought a set of warn's.

 

[bushpilot]

The easiest way to tell is to remove the hubs from the truck. (remove the large round c-clip and slide the hub out) The outerside (outer plastic) and innerside (where the axle goes) should spin separate from one another if so they are unlocked. It's been a while and I can't quite remember how to manually disengage the hubs once they are removed from the truck, but it can be done.

I know that the last time mine starting acting up (wouldn't engage or disengage properly) I went and bought a set of warn's.

its easier than pulling the hub out to check...just reach in and turn
the 1/2 shaft on one side (at the wheel/u-joint)...if the other 1/2 shaft
turns (at the other wheel) then the hub is locked

switching to a fully manual hub (like a warn) is a bit of a band-aide to
me...your just by-passing the vacuum actuated system.

all this said, I just went out and checked mine (id forgotten they were
making noise like i was in 4wd the other day)...sure enough mine are
locked too...both sides...

SO id be interested in knowing how to FIX my hubs (replacing them is
not a good option in my opinion)

 

[patrickc]

I like to remove the hubs rather than spinning the half shafts just incase the problem is in the front differential instead of the hubs. I believe that there is a c-clip on the inner side (where the axle goes) remove it and the hub comes completely apart.

 

[bushpilot]

Im reading that SAND and dirt are the big seal eaters on the
vacuum actuators...apparently a way to check the hub seal
is to manually apply a vac. at the hub connections (just inside
the wheel) and see if it holds vacuum...if not then you know
its the hub seal.

if it does hold vac. at the seal then its vacuum lines or the
pump (and its associated parts).

 

[Dieselpwrdredneck]

I know that the last time mine starting acting up (wouldn't engage or disengage properly) I went and bought a set of warn's.

Does Warn make a set for the auto/locked hubs or are they just locked/unlocked
If they are just the locked/unlocked hubs, does it hurt anything or change anything besides havin to get out and lock in the hubs instead of doin it with autos

do ya fallow?

Neal

 

[DaveBen]

I am not aware of any "Auto Hubs" that Warn makes. Just use the Lock/Unlock Hubs and keep that in mind when you might need four wheel drive.

Dave

 

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