4x4 problem

2001 DODGE RAM
124,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 4WD • MANUAL
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TIREGUY79
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It locks in fine in 4x4 and all that you can drive straight while in 4x4 and only when you turn the wheel while in 4x4 high or low it like almost hops like a slip and sounds bad like a pop and grind it does it until you turn straight then it's fine it don't drink or sound bad at all when driving straight only when you turn one direction I believe I can't remember if it does it both ways
Mar 28, 2016 at 4:33 PM
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TIREGUY79
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Lol sorry ment to say it don't grind when driving straight at all lol not drink
Mar 28, 2016 at 4:35 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Sounds like you may have a tight front outer universal joint. The additional clue if one is binding is it will try to push the steering wheel straight twice per wheel revolution.
Mar 28, 2016 at 7:09 PM
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TIREGUY79
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So what should I do
Mar 28, 2016 at 9:17 PM
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TIREGUY79
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I guess I will drive it and see if it does that I think it did try to turn in me when driving it does then I guess next step would be how to solve it
Mar 28, 2016 at 9:20 PM
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CARADIODOC
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The solution is to replace the joint. Often you can turn sharp one way, then peek in there behind the spindle. If you see reddish-colored rust around one of the bearing cups, the joint is bad and likely binding. Also, if you engage the 4wd, then have the truck on a hoist with all four tires off the ground, turn the steering to one side, you won't be able to rotate that wheel without it trying to straighten out.
Mar 28, 2016 at 9:36 PM
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TIREGUY79
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Ok cool so more then likely it's just bad ujoint lol it sounded bad scared crisp out of me
Mar 28, 2016 at 9:55 PM
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TIREGUY79
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So I drove it to make sure and it's only right side that pops and grinds like maybe the splines are stripped idk but does it when you turn left also and when in reverse but only on right side
Mar 29, 2016 at 3:45 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Have someone at a tire and alignment shop look at it. When a bearing cup binds, it only resists rotating when the steering is turned to either side. It won't bind when going straight because the tiny needle bearings aren't moving. You could weld the universal joint solid and still be able to drive straight ahead.
Mar 29, 2016 at 8:06 PM