4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 95 Chevy K1500, manual hubs, chevy k1500

Question
QUESTION: Matt, I have taken my truck(151,000mi) to three highly recommended repair shops. None can find the answer. The problem is intemittent at best. Between 35 & 45 mph the front end will bounce. Sometimes barely noticable to downright scarry. The last place said a few parts are showing wear, but they would not recommend replacement just yet. The truck also feels at times like it is dragging butt and when I turn to the left there is a rubbing noise coming from where I don't know. I can't help but think there may be a wheel/steering issue that is contributing to all this. Yet the shops give me a thumbs up on the condition of the truck. Thanks for reading this.



ANSWER: Scott,

Just hearing the symtoms it almost seems to me like the truck is stuck in 4 wheel drive. Does it ever feel like the front end is pushing when you turn? and also depending on what type of hubs you have on the front wheels (manual or automatic hubs) one could be stuck in the locked position. if they are manual hubs make sure both are in the "free" psition this will cause erratic behavior in the front end of a 4x4. Let me know what you find

Matt

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sir, Thank you for your answer. It has been suggested by one other person and I had forgotten all about it. I have Automatic hubs. If it is the hubs sticking, one or both. Can this be taken care of by having the Four wheel drive serviced? Or is this a repair type thing?

Answer
Scott,

you can take it in to have the four wheel drive serviced and they may find the issue there in the inspection. Just bring it to their attention that you may have a hub malfunctioning. Also the hubs are not hard to change if you decide to do it, Just pick up a service manual for the vehicle at your auto parts store and follow the steps and take your time. One way to check it is to jack up the front of the truck (both wheels) and spin the tires, only one should spin if you do this. also have a partner watch the drive shaft to the front axle to see if it spins while turning one tine or the other. if it turns while spinning one tire or the other that is the defective hub.Taking it to a dealer of transmission shop though is a good idea, the front end being locked for long periods of time can cause other premature wear on transmission, front axle, transfer case and Axles to each front wheel. Have a shop check over the operation of the front end and you will be on the road again.

Hope this helps
Matt