Bad axles?

[Chevybass]

Noticed today that my truck has a hard time turning when in 4x4 high. Turns fine when it's on 4x4 auto and 2 wheel drive. Also does fine just going straight kn 4x4 high. Tried to turn and it mad a clunk sound like something was catching. But turned fine when I switch back to normal. What do you guys think and how much does axle replacement usually cost?

[cr250Silverado]

I’m no mechanic, but this is what’s been explained to me; 

 

Did this occur when you were on a high traction surface (ie paved road, maybe hard pack dirt)? If so, it’s likely because you are in 4wd high mode. 4wd high and 4wd low locks the transfer case which can cause binding when making turns on high traction surfaces. The Auto mode (aka all wheel drive) allows for slippage in the transfer case so no binding when turning. Since you don’t have the problem when going straight or when in auto mode I suspect this is what’s going on. Just don’t use 4wd while on high traction surfaces, unless you are ONLY going straight (ie pulling a boat up a boat ramp and need more traction). 

[sefiroxx]

Sounds like you are in low even though it says high. There is some turning resistance in high, significant in low (on dry, non forgiving ground).

Could be encoder, switch or diff.

[Chevybass]

Maybe. The surface was wet and slushy with ice. Was worried something thing was ****ed.  I know I need to replace a axle but s shop quoted me at 750 for both.  It never really did it till today.  

[aseibel]

You don't have anything wrong. That's just how 4x4's operate on pavement. When all wheels are engaged and you try to turn, the front wheels want to turn faster than the rear end, due to the turning radius. Since the axles are locked together, the system has to release torque and that usually happens by a rear wheel skipping/hopping because its trying to turn to keep up with the front wheels.

[2017Darkness]

Nothing wrong...normal operation

[Chevybass]

I got under the truck and checked if anything it was broken or loose. Everything seemed fine and didnt have any play. So I went to the gas station on break put it in auto drove and turned normal. Put it in 4x4 high and it turned alot easier around the lot. Wasnt locking or anything but it felt like it should. Drove back in auto floored it. Didnt fish tail so it's working. Then I put it on 4x4 again it hard to turn again. I can turn the wheels fine it's just getting them to go. Felt like they were locking up again and I just put it back in auto then 2 wheel drive and it was fine. I'm in the mid west. Roads arent dry but they're slush with ice. I hope I dont need to do any major repairs soon. I know I need to replace my axles eventually becuase the boots are torn. I think maybe thats why it seems like they lock up in 4x4 when I want to turn. I'm no mechanic but it seemed like something was gonna break.  If yall say its normal and your not really ment to turn with 4x4 on then ok. The shop that quoted me to have the axles replaced said it was probably normal. I appreciate all yalls input.