4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 4wd quit working, drive hubs, chevy suburban

Question
Hi Carl:

I have a 1995 K2500 4wd Chevy Suburban.  This past spring the 4wd quit working - it will not engage.  The shift for the transfer case is on the floor and when I put it into 4wd, it feels like the transfer case engages, but the power does not transfer to the front wheels.  Any idea why this would be happening.

Thanks - DH

Answer
Darrell,

Without seeing the vehicle in person, all I can do, is to give you some suggestions.  It sounds like you may have a hub problem.  If one of your front hubs (automatic, or manual) is hung up or broken, then the front end will not work.  One way to check this, is to put the vehicle in 4 wheel drive then have someone look under the vehicle while you drive it slowly, and see if the front drive line is turning.  This is a quick way to check the transfer case.  If the drive line is turning, then the only other components driving the front end, are the front differential, axles, and hubs.  The front drive line should not turn in 2 wheel drive, unless you have full time 4 wheel drive.  Hubs are not real difficult to repair, if you are mechanically inclined.

If you want to try to trace out, and repair the problem yourself, I would suggest that you purchase a repair manual.  A Chilton's or a Hayne's manual can be purchased at most auto parts stores for, around $20.  They have a lot of information on basic trouble shooting, and repairs.  These manuals are designed for a year or range of years for specific vehicles, and are invaluable if you are planning on doing any repairs, or maintenance yourself.

Carl