4wd/cv axle?

[dirtautoguy12]

I have a 1996 Chevy Cheyenne 5.7 regular cab short bed and it seems like the 4wd just doesnt work like it used to or something a cant quite explain it.

Also, when I jack it up and spin the tire backwards it clicks not very loud but it clicks on both sides. Any ideas

[fmx_guy]

is it not enguaging as fast, any sounds? need more input

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by dirtautoguy12

cant quite explain it.

If YOU can't explain it, how are WE supposed to help? Better try harder.



When the 4WD in my '88 quit working, it was the thermo actuator. I don't know if your newer vehicle uses this system or not.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul....php?t=1079737

[dirtautoguy12]

To me it feels like one side engages better then the other or that it isn't engaging all the way.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by dirtautoguy12

I have a 1996 Chevy Cheyenne 5.7 regular cab short bed and it seems like the 4wd just doesnt work like it used to or something a cant quite explain it.

Also, when I jack it up and spin the tire backwards it clicks not very loud but it clicks on both sides. Any ideas

when the vehicle is in 4WD the front axle is locked as ONE. lifting the front right or left wheel you should not be able to rotate the tire.

also the front axle is connected to the rear axle in 4WD.

could be the locking actuator.

[dirtautoguy12]

Ok so if input it in 4wd then jack it up I shouldn't be ale to turn the tire if its locking in right?

[fmx_guy]

I'm not sure about the 96 but my 94 actuator disengauges when it has no power. Maybe keep that in mind when testing. The newer models are different. You may possibly have have a condition that the actuator may be faulty (engages and disengages) which may result in an odd feeling in the drive train. But then again that was speculation. Keep us posted on your findings!

[dirtautoguy12]

I did some experimenting today on my way home. I engaged it on slow turns to see if I could feel it grab the front end I could feel it but it was again like it wasn't tightly engaging ill look at it closer tomorrow.

[fmx_guy]

If all else fails and if possible find a place where traction is somewhat low and put it in 4 wheel and ease it around you will find out quick what is happening. Im not saying go find a mud hole and stick it, just a controlled environment to use 4 wheel. like have means to get out! keep us posted.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by dirtautoguy12

Ok so if input it in 4wd then jack it up I shouldn't be ale to turn the tire if its locking in right?

thats how it works. all wheels are locked as one when in 4wd. thats why all tires must be the same size and wear on all hubs. thats why rotation / tire air pressures are important to long life trouble free 4WD operation.

when I park in my driveway and there is snow ice I place in 4wd. this prevents the vehicle from sliding when parking.

start vehicle place in 4wd try to rotate one of the front hubs. tap on the actuator,check the wires.

[dirtautoguy12]

I tested the locking and both locked, however they both seemed to have some slack but seemed like something that could be normal.i then crawled under the truck and looked at the front drive line, and the transmission side u joint has about a quarter inch maybe A little more of slop in it but could that be causing what I have been feeling?

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by dirtautoguy12

the transmission side u joint has about a quarter inch maybe A little more of slop in it but could that be causing what I have been feeling?

Doesn't matter--gotta be fixed.

If that takes care of the original problem...great. If not, it still had to be done.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by dirtautoguy12

I tested the locking and both locked, however they both seemed to have some slack but seemed like something that could be normal.i then crawled under the truck and looked at the front drive line, and the transmission side u joint has about a quarter inch maybe A little more of slop in it but could that be causing what I have been feeling?

as mentioned before . replace any of the cv/ujoints with any wear/slop issues now.

after install grease these 2X a year with a high quaility lithium based grease.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by j cAT

after install grease these 2X a year with a high quaility lithium based grease.

I quit putting greasable U-joints on my 4X4. I'm using sealed-for-life joints, and I have 1/10 the problems now.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Schurkey

I quit putting greasable U-joints on my 4X4. I'm using sealed-for-life joints, and I have 1/10 the problems now.

I use the national U joints USA. these all had grease fittings.

where did you get the sealed type ? manufacturer ?

never had problems with the greased type made in USA. never had to replace one. only the OEM sealed type. these where over 10 yrs old.