Steering binding at full lock (1 Viewer)

[chuckl1956]

Hi,

Just bought my first Landcruiser yesterday!!!!! A really sweet ride except a little steering issue I noticed while making a tight turn in the gas station. Has anyone experienced a binding in the front wheels regardless of turning direction. It doesn't make any noise or have any clunking but the front wheels feel like they are hanging up. It becomes worse under full lock. No issues with steering going down the road. I drove from L.A. to Sacramento last night and was impressed with the ride. The truck is completely stock with the exception of what looks to me from the yellow shocks to be either an Old Man Emu or a ManAfree 2" lift. I"m guessing manafree as it is level front to rear and I don't see any Old Man Emu stickers. I was told it might be the Birfield joint but it is exactly the same in either right or left turns. It would seem almost impossible that each side would be causing the same hang up. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I have an appt. set up at S&H 4 Wheel Drive Service in Sacramento on Friday. They are the only local 4 wheel drive shop I'm aware of. If you know someone in Sacramento who is better on Cruiser's please let me know.

Looking forward to being part of this forum as I build up my dream truck.

Thanks,

Chuck

 

[Bearcat80]

That would most likely be one of the birfields.

 

[7schulz]

Same issues see thread
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/352386-front-end-normal.html

Getting it looked at today. Could be birf or viscous coupler in T-case?

 

[sail2fast]

My 92 LC has always had the following behavior since I got it: If turned hard left or right and apply much gas, the steering "locks" to the left/right and takes muscle (or less gas) to straighten out. Can be a bit disconcerting when not expected.

I rebuilt the front axle and swapped birfs from side to side and I get the same result. It feels more like a torque/steering angle issue rather than worn birfs (the birfs look pretty good). This happened both before and after an OME 2.5" lift.

I decided it was "normal" (at least for this car) and haven't pursued it any further...

--brendan

 

[Perroetaller]

Man-a-fre is a store that sells TLC accessories. They make some parts, but the suspension that you are running most likely is a OME due to the yellow shocks

 

[chuckl1956]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback on the suspension brand I probably have and the suggestion of checking the Birfield or Viscous coupler. I'm going to have the alignment checked first to make sure it's not just a toe in adjustment. I'm still kind of thinking it is not the birfield joint as it feels exactly the same when in full lock right or left. Doesn't have any clunking, clicking or grinding sound or feel. Feels almost like a brake is hanging up when turned causing the tire to skid instead of roll. Will let you know what I figure out after the front end alignment and then a trip to the 4 wheel drive shop on Friday.

 

[80t0ylc]

I'm not sure I agree with the previous diagnosis of your problem. First, what year is your rig? That will help determine if it could be VC related. Only '93-'97 had VCs. Second, are you talking about rotational binding (difficulties with wheels and tires turning) at locks? Or is there resistance in the steering to return to center from lock? If it's the latter, could be something as simple as tie rod end clamps not mounted at correct angle.

 

[7schulz]

My chirps the tires and pushing hard back to the wheels being strait.

 

[chuckl1956]

Hi,

Thanks for offering your input. My Cruiser is a July of 97 build date with the front/rear Diff. Lock option. I do not get any push back in the steering wheel like you would if the front diff was engaged. The steering turns easily and returns to center perfectly. I drove this truck home from L.A. Tuesday night and it goes down the road perfectly. Very tight, no wandering or jumping around at all. The sensation at full lock is like the tires are binding up and not wanting to rotate easily is the best I can describe. It is like they are pushing instead of rotating. I thought I would start at the alignment shop as it really doesn't feel like it is a mechanical issue. Once again I appreciate all the feedback.

 

[Tools R Us]

Hi,

Thanks for offering your input. My Cruiser is a July of 97 build date with the front/rear Diff. Lock option. I do not get any push back in the steering wheel like you would if the front diff was engaged. The steering turns easily and returns to center perfectly. I drove this truck home from L.A. Tuesday night and it goes down the road perfectly. Very tight, no wandering or jumping around at all. The sensation at full lock is like the tires are binding up and not wanting to rotate easily is the best I can describe. It is like they are pushing instead of rotating. I thought I would start at the alignment shop as it really doesn't feel like it is a mechanical issue. Once again I appreciate all the feedback.

I would check the toe, it's easy to do yourself, wrenches and measuring tape. Also check the turn limit stops on the knuckles, if incorrectly adjusted can cause bind.

 

[7schulz]

Well the mech said the whine is from the T-case which is also probably causing the binding issue. I will have to take it to the transmission shop and get it looked at. If it is the VC is there a thread about just removing it, can I just remove it, should I just remove it, is there any negatives in removing it?

 

[-Spike-]

I wouldn't think the VC would cause a whine, it usually fails fully locked, so no moving parts. That's pure speculation on my part, though.

I can't think of any reason to keep the thing, seems like more of a PITA then it's worth. With a CDL button installed there's no drawbacks as far as I'm concerned.

 

[7schulz]

I can't think of any reason to keep the thing, seems like more of a PITA then it's worth. With a CDL button installed there's no drawbacks as far as I'm concerned.

Is that because you want this clean and no rust PITA

Never mind you were talking about the VC, right?

 

[-Spike-]

Is that because you want this clean and no rust PITA

Never mind you were talking about the VC, right?

Yeah, the VC.

Rust? What's this 'rust' thing you talk about? Is it anything like this 'snow' thing people keep whining about all the time?

 

[7schulz]

Snow is awesome, sometimes. Until you have done high speed doughnuts in the snow, you are missing out.
Anyway are there any threads about removing the VC. The whine is a rotational whine and is sometimes intermittent depending on gas/coast and picks up volume and intensity with speed.

 

[Tools R Us]

I wouldn't think the VC would cause a whine, it usually fails fully locked, so no moving parts. That's pure speculation on my part, though.

I can't think of any reason to keep the thing, seems like more of a PITA then it's worth. With a CDL button installed there's no drawbacks as far as I'm concerned.

Agree, but a locked VC will cause bind, that may cause worn bearings to make more noise. IMHO the most definitive test is to remove the front drive shaft, drive locked and unlocked. There should be some slip when unlocked and none when locked, if there is no detectable difference, the VC is bad.

...
Rust? What's this 'rust' thing you talk about? Is it anything like this 'snow' thing people keep whining about all the time?

Snow is that white, cold stuff we were wheeling in last weekend.

 

[chuckl1956]

Hi, I took the Cruise to the front end shop and everything checked out fine. No toe in or any other alignment issues. The mechanic and I went for a ride and engaged both the front and rear lockers in both high and low range. Everything seems to work fine. When disengaged we tried the full steering lock turn and continued to get the same hopping/skipping in the front end. We even tried backing up and turning which created the same skipping of the front tires. The mechanic did not think it was the birfields causing the binding as there is no slop in the front end and no clunking, clicking, popping or any othe noise associated with the skipping sensation at full lock. He thought possibly that the front locker is not fully disengaged even though the light is out. I guess the next stop will be S&H 4wheel drive for some diagnostics on the transfer case or front differential. Any other thoughts would be appreciated.