Front wheels binding in 4 wheel mode

[N17RO]

Hi all,

 

Having a small issue with my front wheels binding on full lock in 4 wheel drive mode. It doesnt do it in 2 wheel mode.

 

I thought maybe the fluids but I've changed them and still it happens. 

 

The wheels are fine in a straight line in 4 wheel mode.

 

Any ideas?

Thanks

Craig

[Mikey52]

On hard surfaces they will bind, unless it's the awd version.

 

The outside wheel has to travel farther in a turn than the inside wheel. If it's fully locked it can't do that without something slipping. Be it the tires slipping on the ground or something slipping in your transfer case.

 

[Supreme Pizza]

 

[N17RO]

Ive had the truck since new (4 years) and it's never done this before. Its not an AWD.

 

What would be the point of a 4x4 mode that can only be used in a straight line or gentle bends? Sorry I might be dumb as it doesn't make sense to me.

 

 Thanks.

 

 

[TJay74]

If you've owned it 4 years then by now you should know it is a normal function of a 4x4 vehicle when tires are driven on surfaces with almost normal grip levels. All 4wd vehicles have binding when you are near the full lock point when turning. My 2001 Silverado did this, my 2010 Sierra All Terrain did it, my 2014 Sierra All Terrain did it as does my 2016 Sierra All Terrain.

 

You wont notice it on grass, mud, offroad or snow/ice as the front wheel are slipping enough to not be noticed. Get the front tires on pavement that is only wet and you will notice it if you are fully locked in 4wd Hi. If you are in Auto you may not notice it as once the system doesnt see tire slippage and the decay period has expired the system releases the transfer case clutches to go back into 2wd mode.

[N17RO]

Wow thanks guys. Ive honestly never noticed it before.

 

[Darmichar]

Want a real ride, drop it into 4LO, crank the wheels on a dry surface and hang on.

[Railhead_Ed]

On 8/27/2018 at 1:26 AM, N17RO said:

Wow thanks guys. Ive honestly never noticed it before.

 

Keep driving it that way and yer gonna break something.

 

[j-ten-ner]

From my owners manual.

I'm positive that your manual has a warning similar to mine.

You just have to read it.

 

[boilers]

Is this a joke?! Funny story though... and youll immediately get where this is going. 

 

I cant remember why, and it doesnt matter, but my wife was driving my 1999 K1500 with push button 4x4. It was a nice dry summer day. She calls me in a panic, saying shes stuck in a parking lot. The truck wont turn at all! I talk her through some possible issues.... The first thing i asked was "is it in 4 wheel drive?" She immediately responds "No!" Do you hear any grinding or clanking? No. Okay, so I drive to meet her,  get in the truck... drove it 20 feet and look down to see a little orange light lit up right next to the label "4 HI"! 

 

Of course she didnt do it. She was the only person to drive the truck, but she didnt do it.    Im sure she hit it inadvertently , as the button is right behind the gear shifter.