The weirdest problem...

[dieselcruiserhead]

Something catching in my front axle when trying to turn and I can't figure out what. Birfields seems to be in good shape, no weird vibration so I think trunions are in good shape. I would think maybe my powersteering is failing but when it breaks loose it's almost like it "pops" - something is getting hung up somewhere internally. I think its the front right tire. Specs are standard SOA on a 62 axle, 8 degrees pinion, +4 degrees caster...

Also it doesn't happen all the time and seems to be getting "better" but I had a good little bout with it last night again... IT can be a little dangerous. Also only happens when I am turning left and luckily only when I am going very slowely like trying to do a 180 in a parking lot. I am pretty sure its not a powersteering problem but what do I know, maybe it is. MAybe the system is weak or something like that and what ever is catching is minor but seems major because its killing the pump or something like that?

 

[Timoss]

Had a similar issue once and it turned out to be tire rub on the cotter pin of my sway bar quick disconnects... ?

Tim
88fj62

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Luckily no sway bars in my case. I can't see anything visible that is causing it which is why I think its internal...

 

[Waggoner5]

Hey Andre. What about the steering box? I have had many apart and if one of the stainless balls is broken I have seen them act as you are saying.
Gary

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Honestly probably not a bad call Gary. It started acting up on Posion Spider a few weeks ago so in the middle of some wheeling. I was beginning to get a little slop in the box as well before then. Bummer too because "I paid $600" for it (just kidding inside joke) but it will be somewhat of a bitch to replace. Interesting though... Andre

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Also I figured my pump is good because I still have good braking (hydroboost brakes)

 

[Waggoner5]

I haven't seen all that many 60 series pumps go south, but I have replaced a box or 2 on 60s. I hear the 80s are worse. Poison Spider huh? I hope I have my truck ready for CM2006.
G

 

[lowenbrau]

Steering damper?

 

[cruiserbrett]

Birfield?

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I'm leaning towards Gary's assement. No steering dampener on it... And don't think its a birf. That was my first guess, a cracked or damaged birf but I was surprized and still works great in 4WD on all 4 corners.. $5 says is the box. Doh!

 

[Radd Cruisers]

I'm leaning towards Gary's assement. No steering dampener on it... And don't think its a birf. That was my first guess, a cracked or damaged birf but I was surprized and still works great in 4WD on all 4 corners.. $5 says is the box. Doh!

Sounds about right, I had a person working for me who did not assemble a power steering box correctly, same type of issue.

Rob

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Update...
Honestly some play in steering box so I might replace this too. But I went to engage 4WD today (it was working about a week ago) and nothing. I honestly think I might have not 1 but TWO blown birfields right now. It is going to be messy in there... Doh!

 

[Waggoner5]

Might as well go for the complete rebuild now.
If steering box is an issue, there was one on eBay last night that I was thinking about for you.
Gary

 

[kevinmrowland]

What would this same problem be if it only happens in 4WD???

Thats what I have.
It is very intermittent. (only when I have someone else in the truck, so it can embarrass me)
Only happens when turning very sharp.
Usually only when on a higher traction surface.

NEW: wheel bearings, knuckle bearings, TRE's, seals and grease. Birfields look fine. Rebuilt the steering box and the pump. Nothing rubs.......
It has always done this, but only occasionally.

Do your trucks do this?

 

[Waggoner5]

On your truck Kevin, it sounds more Birfield related. With the hubs unlocked the birfields are not loaded so they shouldn't make any noises and you shouldn't feel pops or grinds unless they have serious issues. When you lock the hubs but leave the truck in 2wd do you get the same results? This way, the birf is turning with the wheels, but not loaded. Now try it in 4wd. What happens?
G

 

[mudnyreye]

Check the caliper mounting bolts. I have seen a similar problem on a 40 with a loose caliper. It only acted up when turning.

 

[kevinmrowland]

The grabbing only happens when wheels are locked in and 4WD is engaged. No noise if wheels are just locked in. And it is only on higher traction surfaces.

Caliper bolts are good and properly torqued.

I've had the birf's out several times and everything seems smooth.

 

[Waggoner5]

It may be as simple as the front getting bound up because of the high traction. Check it out on a low traction surface and see if its gone.
G

 

[kevinmrowland]

No noise or lurching when the wheels can slip, but even so, I don't like when it does do it.

 

[Waggoner5]

I don't like it either, but when you have a solid mechanical connection from side to side and one wheel trys to go faster than the other, crap happens.
Gary