Binding Feeling in Low Speed

[Muffy]

Hello,

 

I bought a 95 Pathy a couple months ago to save driving my mustang in the winter, and am learning many things along the way thanks to this board. One last problem that I have is that it feels that the rear end is binding when it is is in low gear. It really doesn't start doing this until say I am parking into a parking spot or leaving a parking spot. It does this in forward and reverse and whether its going straight or turning. It has an automatic tranny, and I replaced the automatic hubs with manual hubs and have confirmed that the front hubs are not locked in when this happens.

 

Its difficult to describe the noise and feeling, but it almost like the real wheels don't want to turn. It vibrates the whole Pathy, and I think it is centralized from the rear end of the vehicle. And I don't think it does it all the time. It may only initiate after I've had to turn a bit at this low speed.

 

I'm guessing the rear end diff, but could it be the dreaded transmission? I noticed this issue when I first bought it, but I figured that it has something to do with the automatic hubs locking in, I guessed wrong there.

 

Many Thanks!

 

Bruce

[GrimGreg]

Almost sounds like the rear is locked. Ever hear a whirring/ratchet sound when turning normally (at speed)?

[5523Pathfinder]

Ok, well lets see..... Are you using 4 low when pulling out of a parking space? If you are, then yest you are feeling some binding, and this is normal. Slip needs to occur to reduce binding(its like driving in 4wd on dry pavement, no slip occuring). Tight turns are tough on everything.

 

Have you had the rear diff fluid changed recently? Does it have the LSD? How about your trans fluid condition?

[Precise1]

How are the U-joints?

 

B

[88pathoffroad]

Making tight turns in 4LO on hard surfaces is a NO-NO. The t-case locks front and rear diffs together and when turning, the outside wheel spins quite a lot more than an inside wheel, hence the binding or 'hopping" feel. Take it out of 4WD.

[Precise1]

I replaced the automatic hubs with manual hubs and have confirmed that the front hubs are not locked in when this happens.

With the hubs disengaged, it's not 4x4. I don't think that's the issue, unless the hubs are not disengaging but I'll assume that has been checked.

 

B

[Muffy]

Wow, thanks for all the prompt responses!

 

It was always in 2HI when this happens, and I confirmed that the front wheels are running freely when the hubs are unlocked (which they are 99% of time here in KC) by jacking up the front and making sure the front shafts didn't turn with the wheels .

 

I almost think this may not be an issue unless the vehicle has been driven for a few miles and has warmed up. I think I'll start by inspecting the U-joints and changing the diff fluid.

 

Thanks!

Edited January 2, 2009 by Muffy

[Precise1]

You are welcome.

 

If you have a LSD (limited slip diff), make sure to use oil that is LSD rated or use a LSD additive.

 

B