front axle binding

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centralmax

NAXJA Forum User

Location

washington

• Jun 25, 2007

• #1

1997 xj 4.0L auto np 231. When i turn sharply the front acts like it has a locker and its binding. Kinda like its in 4x4 when its in 2 hi (its not in 4x4). any ideas? I know its not a t case chain skipping because it isnt that violent, just a jerking binding movement. thanks in advance

 

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lawsoncl

NAXJA Forum User

Location

North Idaho

• Jun 25, 2007

• #2

Check the front u-joints. Jack up one side at a time and spin the wheel with the steering straight and then with the steering turned. If it's a bad u-joint it will bind or feel stiff turning the wheel with the steering turned. The slight drag from the brakes is normal, btw.

I've got to replace one on my ZJ for this exact reason. With the wheel turned and spinning in the air, it's very hard to turn. Its very noticeable in a tight turn as a pusling in the steering wheel. I just did the above test last night to confirm it;s the pass side.

 

BRIANHO13

<- Yum Chocolate

Location

Spring, TX

• Jun 25, 2007

• #3

are your tires rubbing the control arms?

 

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thenav

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Ontario

• Jun 26, 2007

• #4

brianho13. my front right drags on my control arm and swaybar disconnect when turned left, the swaybar digs in, when right it rips at the lca. how does one correct this? adjusting the ful lock? how is that done btw. thanks,

Nav

 

Last edited: Jun 26, 2007

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lawsoncl

NAXJA Forum User

Location

North Idaho

• Jun 26, 2007

• #5

Look at steering stop on the the knuckles. There is a bolt that sticks out and hits the knuckle at full-lock. Unscrew it and put a washer or two under the nut to extend it out a bit.

 

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Jeep9717

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Minnesota

• Jun 26, 2007

• #6

Its your u-joints. My 97 just did the exact same thing. Dedicate at least 2 hours per side if you havent had your hub or anything apart before. Get a 36 mm socket(most auto parts stores will rent for free), hammer and a flat chisel to get the hub off. The axle will just slide out after the hub is off. Good luck.

PS..It would be wise to do both sides while you have the time, and make sure to grease those u-joints.

 

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centralmax

NAXJA Forum User

Location

washington

• Jul 4, 2007

• #7

Soon as get some time ill check those u joints.

Thanks!

 

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Gaius

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Beaverton, OR

• Jul 4, 2007

• #8

If it's a scrubbing, U-joints or bad alignement causes this.

 

xjtrailrider

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

Location

Roanoke VA

• Jul 4, 2007

• #9

Gaius said:

If it's a scrubbing, U-joints or bad alignement causes this.

Click to expand...

And a non centered front axle, you may need a adjustable trac bar to bring the axle back to center as well.