4wheel High Binding?

[jsumner83]

So I’ve recently added 4.56 gears to my 2017 Sierra 1500 and while camping this past weekend I was making a left hand turn at a slow speed while in 4 wheel high and I heard some weird noises. Quick research online says it is binding. I was on a dirt road when this happened. Is there anything I need to do or was this just a result of having too much traction when in 4 wheel high? Do I need to take it in to have my truck looked at? 

[CamGTP]

Really tight turns even on gravel can cause binding in 4WD, It's why I always keep it in 4AUTO unless I know I may get stuck stuck.

[Z45]

Nothing wrong, typical operation. Probably should not have needed 4wd HI. AUTO more applicable.

From GM info......

 

"Using the 4WD modes (4HI, 4LO, 4HI Lock, 4LO Lock) will usually increase noise in the axles, transfer case and the rest of the driveline and is usually greater at higher speeds and will usually increase the more the vehicle is turned. As the vehicle turns, the front and rear axles follow a different arc. When this occurs, the only place to compensate for this binding is between the contact patch of the tires and the ground. This can feel like the vehicle is vibrating, crow hopping or grabbing. Even if the vehicle is driven in a straight line, there are slight differences in tire circumference that will cause some driveline binding. If a vehicle had the exact same size tires and was driven in a perfectly straight line, the fact that more parts are moving would mean that there would be more noise and possibly some feel of the system operating."

 

"Use of 4HI or 4LO and 4HI Lock or 4LO Lock on Full-time 4WD is intended for use on a low traction surface such as snow, ice, mud or sand. On a low traction surface, the differences in front and rear axle speeds will not have as much effect on binding because of the lower traction levels between the surface and the contact patch of the tires. On a high traction surface, the higher traction levels will create more binding and noise in the driveline."

 

Ps- Been driving a 4wd since 1972...........

Edited May 28, 2024 by elcamino