Grinding and front tires binding when making sharp turns

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

First, make sure the 4wd isn't engaged. When it is on a dry surface, you will feel the steering bind when turning and it will damage different components.

Next, check the front differential fluid to make sure it isn't low. I attached a picture of the front differential. If you look at the picture, number 1 is the drain. Don't remove that unless you plan to drain and fill the differential. However, there is another plug that looks the same located higher on the cover. It is near the number 3 components listed and has no number pointing to it. Once you locate the fill plug, remove it. The gear lube should be as high as the bottom of the threaded opening you removed the plug from. Confirm that.

If it is low, fill it. It requires 75w-90 gear lube.

Last, when you hear this noise, see if anything changes it such as applying the brakes.

Check these things and let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

Welcome back:

By chance did they inspect both the brakes CV joints on the front axles? Also, did the check for excessive play in the hub bearings?

Let me know,

Joe

Welcome back:

If it seems to be related to the tire rotation, then my guess is it is one of the things I mentioned. Let me know what you find or if I can be any help.

Take care,
Joe

Tell me something. Does it matter if you turn left or tight to produce the noise? Do you hear any howling noise when driving straight. If it is grinding, I can't believe they said it's okay.

Timothy:
It has to be related to either a hub bearing or something with the axle. My first suspect is a hub bearing since the noise is heard on turns and braking. Do me a favor. Safely lift and support the front of the vehicle. Place your hands at 12 and 6 oclock. And wiggle the wheel back and forth checking if you feel a clunk or if there is noticeable play. Also, do the same thing at 3 and 9 oclock to see if you feel anything. It shouldn't be grinding. Especially if brakes were just done.

Here are the directions from the manual for checking. The three attached pictures correlate with these directions. Also, the last picture shows bearings for both 2wd and 4wd. Your vehicle will have the sealed wheel hub bearing.

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Raise the vehicle until the front tires are off the floor.

Make sure the wheels are in a straight forward position.

Pic 1

2. Note:
Make sure the wheel rotates freely and that the brake pads are retraced sufficiently to allow free movement of the tire and wheel assembly.

Spin the tire by hand to check the wheel bearings for roughness.

Pic 2

3. Grip each front tire at the top and bottom and move the wheel inward and outward while lifting the weight of the tire off the front wheel bearing.

Pic 3

4. If the tire and wheel (hub) is loose on the spindle, does not rotate freely, or has a rough feeling when spun, carry out one of the following:

On vehicles with inner and outer bearings, Inspect the bearings and cups for wear or damage. Adjust or install new bearings and cups as necessary.

On vehicles with one sealed bearing, install a new wheel hub. Refer to the appropriate workshop manual for the service procedures.

Let me know what you find.

Joe