Juttering when turning at low speeds

Ezekiel2517 · February 23, 2016

Recently I have been having random "juttering" when I turn sharply at low speeds, mostly in parking lots. It feels and sounds a lot like the slippage grind that happens when you have 4wd enganged on pavement. It does not happen all the time, just 3-4 times now, but I am starting to notice it more.

I keep my 4wd setting on auto. Could it accidentally engaging due to sensed slip? I never get notice of it on my DIC if so. And it seems like it happens quicker than a 4wd shift could occur.

It feels too abrupt and sharp to be tire slippage. I have BFG Rugged Terrains and have not really had a problem with them.

No lifts or any other mods to front suspension.

Any thoughts on what this could be is appreciated. I would take it to the dealer but I know they will just run my tank dry and then tell me they could not recreate the problem.

Thanks!

joshc64311 · February 23, 2016

Do you have the auto locking rear diff?

newdude · February 23, 2016

If the roads are dry or even wet, no real need for AUTO 4x4. I'd put it in 2WD and re-test.

Garykk · February 23, 2016

If the roads are dry or even wet, no real need for AUTO 4x4. I'd put it in 2WD and re-test.

X-2, no need for auto

GM says to use it for variable road conditions, anything else just wastes gas..

If you have been driving your truck in auto all this time, you might want to check the fluid level in transfer case and diff. A change of fluid could not hurt either.

HondaHawkGT · February 24, 2016

First try tturning auto 4wd off. If it still does it, check to see if you have the auto-locking differential (G80). Mine has locked up at low speeds in town and didn't unlock until I got back on the highway. It makes cornering pretty jittery since the inner tire is turning slower than the outer tire.

pickupman87 · February 25, 2016

First try tturning auto 4wd off. If it still does it, check to see if you have the auto-locking differential (G80). Mine has locked up at low speeds in town and didn't unlock until I got back on the highway. It makes cornering pretty jittery since the inner tire is turning slower than the outer tire.

Is that normal though? I'm assuming not? I have the G80 and experience the same thing sometimes. Jerks like it's in 4x4 when it hasn't been in 4x4 or Auto for weeks, only when turning as sharp as I can.

Garykk · February 25, 2016

Don't know about these newer trucks but back a few years there was a similar problem, it was cured by a special additive to the diff lubricant, seems clutch plates were sticking..might want to check with your dealer and see if that additive is still around.

Ezekiel2517 · March 2, 2016

Interesting. When I bought it, it was in "auto" and I just never touched it. I figured GM did that for a reason. I will try it on 2wd and see if I notice any difference. I dont think what I am feeling is coming form the rear end. I do have the locking rear end (4wd kind pointless without it). I will pay attention next time it happens.

Thanks!!!