'99 Tahoe 4x4 Vibration

[dhoeschen]

Now that winter has arrived my 1999 Tahoe has been in 4-Hi and I've been experiencing some vibration from the front driveline.

I suspect worn front universal joints but wanted to get more opinions before I take it in to get fixed...

There is no vibration in 2-Hi. In 4-Hi there is mild vibration only while accelerating, the vibration gets worse with speed. At cruise there is no vibration. If I switch to 2-Hi while accelerating the vibration disappears.


On a side note: I have to switch to 2-Hi when entering a well-plowed parking lot. When turning into a parking spot in 4-Hi it feels like A LOT of binding -- almost like hitting the brakes! I talked with other 4WD owners and they say this is normal...is it? Shouldn't the front differential allow me to turn?

[taxidermist]

My 99 hoe had the same thing and it was the front u joints. As for the binding in 4wd this is normal it feels like it is hopping while turning. It seems worse in the tahoe because of the tight steering radius.


Rob

[dhoeschen]

Thanks Rob!

The front driveshaft U-joints or the front axle U-joints?

[taxidermist]

front drive shaft u joints from transfer case to front diff. I could not tell till I jacked up all 4 tires and put it in drive and laid under it.

[J-Ri]

Originally Posted by dhoeschen

...Shouldn't the front differential allow me to turn?

No. The binding is due to the difference in front and rear axle speeds. An AWD vehicle has a differential in the transfer case which allows different front and rear axle speeds, in addition to different left and right wheel speeds. Your 4WD vehicle has no center differential, and should only be in 4x4 when you are on almost completely snow/ice covered roads.