1999 GMC C1500 4X4 Issues

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1999 GMC C1500
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

I recently bought the truck and have what I think is a problem.

The truck has "electronic" 4 wheel drive. The 4 wheel drive appears to engage properly and is not a problem when traveling in a straight line - although it has the "feel" of being in 4 wheel drive no problem.

However, when I turn - either direction I feel a "bind" and hear a growl which sounds like the front tire being pushed across the pavement. It is simply not possible to turn the truck at anything near full lock it "binds" too much.

Any ideas?

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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109,885 POSTS

Hi:
Does it bind like this when you are on ice or snow? Also, have you checked the CV joints for excessive play, any torn boots.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 AT 7:41 PM

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Joe

Thanks for the response

I have not yet been in ice & snow what I am feeling and describing is on dry pavement.

The boots do not appear to be torn or cracked and visually everything appears to be "normal" on the front end - no obvious broken, worn, missing, or out of place parts - I will check the CV joints for play.

I have owned other four wheel vehicles - most recently a 2000 blazer - and I appreciate that there is a different "feel" and steering characteristics when the four wheel drive is engaged - but this does not appear "normal" to me. The "bind" or"drag" is significant - so much so that I have not "forced" it for fear that something will be seriously damaged.

Thanks again
Lannie

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Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 AT 9:58 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi again:
You really shouldn't have the truck in 4wd if you are on dry pavement. You're right, it will damage something. Could it be different because everything may be a little tighter on this truck compared to the blazer? Honestly (and I'm not there so I could be wrong) it sounds normal. We have a 4wd dakota, and if I don't take it out of 4wd when the roads clear up, it's really bad. Like you said, something feels like it may break. Also, others I've driven were the same way.

I'm curious to see if it acts normal in snow or ice. Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 AT 2:12 PM

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Thanks Joe

I understand and normally I would not have the four wheel drive engaged in dry conditions.

I just got this truck and when test driving it I put it in four wheel drive just to see if it worked. Well, during the test drive I didn't attempt a tight turn while the four wheel was engaged so - no problem.

Later I was showing my wife how to engage the four wheel drive and that is when I tried a relatively tight turn and noticed the problem.

Obviously, I hope it is normal and not a problem. I'll let you know how it acts when it snows.

Thanks again for your help.

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Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 AT 2:48 PM