Popping when turning

[inFused]

Hello,

I've gone through all of the threads that had to deal with 4x4 popping/jumping when turning, but I couldn't really find any identical problems and thusly couldn't find any reasons for my problem.

When I'm driving with RWD, I'm able to turn without any jumping or vibrations. However, as I live in Chicago, I sometimes find myself putting my Bronco into 4x4 to help with the road conditions. When I engage 4x4, the light comes on and all is well. However, if I start to turn the wheel, the steering wheel starts to vibrate/shake, and if I turn the wheel a little more, I start feeling my Bronco bouncing/jumping as I turn. After I straighten the car out, the vibration/shaking in the steering wheel remains for another 10 or so seconds.

I've had a few friends (just from me describing the problem) state that it could be the differential or the drive shaft being misaligned. The truck was never lifted, so I doubt it's the drive shaft. I also saw another thread that stated this is how Bronco's are (which really made no sense to me).

Here's the specs:

1993 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition

V8 - 5.8L

I don't know what type of differentials the car has (if you need this to help determine my problem, I wouldn't mind looking this up), and I can provide the tire specs as well. If you guys need any pictures or anything, just let me know what/where I need to photograph.

I appreciate any and all help with this.

 

[Roadkill]

Before I make any suggestions at how to isolate your problem, I'm going to take a second to explain a little about how the parts are supposed to work. (If I'm stating the obvious, I apologize. Not trying to insult your know how, >- Lot's of people will read this and it may help them too)

As you know, the differentials allow the right and left wheels to turn at different speeds in a turn. There is no differential mechanism in the transfer case to allow the front and rear driveshafts to turn at different speeds. (Some vehicles do have this; they are called "all wheel drive" or "full time 4x4. Bronco's never came with this option) When you are in 4x4, the transfer case sends equal power to both the front and rear driveshafts. When you turn, not only do the right and left wheel on each axle turn different speed, but the front and rear axles are also turning different speeds. Since the front and rear driveshafts are coupled together, the only way to compensate for the speed difference is by scooting one or more tires (or by breaking parts ) When you are off road or on slippery surfaces like ice or packed snow, this scooting is not very noticeable. When you are on a surface with "good" traction, (for this discussion, wet pavement=good traction) this scooting is much more noticeable. On my truck this feels much like what you describe. That is why your owners manual says not to use 4x4 unless you are in a low traction area.

All that being said, what kind of surface are you on when the popping happens? A little "popping and scooting" on pavement will be normal. Since my definition of a "little" and your definition could be way different, here are a few more thoughts:

There are other things that could cause similar symptoms. In each front axleshaft, there is a u-joint (two in the right one). If one of these is binding, it could the culprit. With the hubs locked and t-case in neutral or 2H, jack up and safely support the front of the truck. Then spin each wheel by hand while someone turns the steering wheel all the way right and left; check for binding or noises in the joints. This test will only work with the hubs locked. If you have manual hubs thats no problem. If you have auto locking hubs, you will have to engage 4x4 then drive forward until the hubs lock, then dis-engage 4x4, turn of the truck and do the test. You can tell if the hubs are locked by looking at the axle shafts when you spin the wheel.

Hopefully all my rambling helps you out.

And, of course, Welcome to BroncoZone! > Post a picture of your rig if you can, we all love to look at other peoples toys!

 

[beausdad]

Infused - Since you are new to the forum i want to let you in on a little secret. Roadkill and Yardape are the Forum masters along with Seabronc. You will need to do your best to remember to bow before your computer each time you have read one of their postings.

Hey Roadkill - Thanks for doing what you do for your paycheck by the way. I only wish I would have had the Testicular Fortitude to sign up, but I didn't. Thanks for protecting our freedom.

 

[Roadkill]

:blush: Aw shucks! Thanks Beausdad, but I think you give me to much credit. There plenty of guys here that know a lot more than me; Seabronc, Yardape, Miesk5, JSM84 and quite a few others. I'm just a little quicker on the keyboard sometimes. Also, I try to be very sure of my answer before I post. (or clearly state that I am guessing)

And thanks back to you guys. I'm fortunate enough to have pretty easy access to the internet this time around, and BroncoZone has become my little island of escape from all the madness.

 

[inFused]

Hi Roadkill,

Thanks for the welcome, but most importantly, THANK YOU for your response. That hit everything dead on - you're exactly right about the front/rear differential stuff (I didn't know there was no differential in the t-case for front and rear). This is indeed happening on roads when conditions are good (I've never tested it on snow yet). I took it to a gravel area and indeed the popping was barely noticeable.

I greatly appreciate your help!

 

[Roadkill]

Hey, no problem. Thanks for posting back with how it all panned out for you /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> . Lot's of guys post a question/problem, get a few suggestions then disapear forever [-X . Then we never know if we helped or not and anyone else who reads the thread later doesn't know if the advice was any good either.

 

[BuckingBronco449168]

I found that response informative as well.thanx