Sharp turns in 4WD produce jerks in steering wheel ...

M

montanaman

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Western Montana

• Mar 23, 2007

• #1

- '91 XJ, 4.0L
- NP 231 (Part Time) transfer case

When I'm driving in 4WD Part-Time in the snow, and I turn the wheel all the way to make a slow U-turn, the steering wheel jerks in my hand. Is this normal? Or is it a sign of front axle u-joint problems?

Thanks!!

 

97XJ Jeeper

Semper Fi

Location

Southeast Iowa

• Mar 23, 2007

• #2

could be u-joint could just be it binding up a little which is normal when making turns in 4WD.

 

LivinUpXJ

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Williamsburg,VA

• Mar 23, 2007

• #3

its usually a normal thing, while in part time its safe to make larger turn around

 

GSequoia

Everyone says I'm a jerk.

NAXJA Member

Location

Torrance, CA

• Mar 23, 2007

• #4

U-Joints do not turn as freely as CV's. When you're at that angle it will jerk, causing the steering wheel to jerk (when the power is applied it trys to straighten out).

Now if it's accompanied by a click or clunk check the U-Joints (and if you haven't done so in awhile check them anyway).

Sequoia

 

IslanderOffRoad

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

Location

Houston, Tx

• Mar 23, 2007

• #5

Its normal, or at least mine does it too.

I just push the clutch in while turning when it starts

 

M

montanaman

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Western Montana

• Mar 24, 2007

• #6

Thanks for the answers, guys. I didn't feel any play in the axle u-joints, but I had heard that u-joints tighten up before getting loose, so I thought I'd ask.