[1337jeeper]

hey, i seem to have a new issue with my Grand. i got 54k on the thing, and something that i've noticed lately is that on very hard turns, the rig will want to buck and bind.

example, i just got back from eating out and the space in my driveway is tight due to all the snow we've gotten lately. so, i make a hard right, and the steering wheel twitches left when it is near full lock. this is something i have NEVER noticed before, making me think something is wrong.

it does this going forward and in reverse, and i have no idea what it is. help!


thanks in advance,
Ryan

[Meerkat]

If you have the NP 249 transfer case, you probably have an issue with the viscous coupler. Before you panic, however, you need to check the fluid level in your TC.

HTH

[Astorm]

C'mon Warren, he's got an 02 with the 4.7, its the 247 T-case with no VC.

He's right though, check the t-case fluid, and change it with the appropriate 247 Fluid

[1337jeeper]

is there a fluid at say, Pep Boys that i could use? i suppose i could head to the local jeep stealer to buy some.
and approx how much does it cost per container?

also, could there be a possibility of it being a problem related to CV or U joints going bad?


sorry for all the questions, but i wanna figure out what's up with my rig.

thanks,
Ryan

[Astorm]

The fluid is ONLY available at the stealer, don't even try to use anything else, you'll just do more damage. Its about $7 a quart. You need 2 bottles.

Its very unlikely you'd get a binding with a bad u-joint or CV, they would make a popping sound if they were bad.

[dds4x4]

I have been experiencing a similar event when turning, but mine is intermittent. It sounds a little like rubber sqeeking/squealing. At first I thought it was tires rubbing, but not that. Now I think it may be coming from the rear diff. I would describe it as a rubbing or growling sound.

The diffs and Tcase were recently serviced with the correct fluids and it still makes intermittent sounds, definitely loud enough to be noticed. I have ask others before, when I might know the VariLock axles are having a problem, but I have never got a satisfactory answer. Just they work or they don't and they very seldom have problems??? Can't they wear out???

I love the performance of the QuadraDrive system, but I am concerned about the noise?? We wheeled it in 6 states last year in 7 months, so it has been used. It has 70k on the odometer.

Thanks for any suggestions from those with experience with the QD system and VariLock axles.

[rowdy1]

Originally Posted by 1337jeeper

hey, i seem to have a new issue with my Grand. i got 54k on the thing, and something that i've noticed lately is that on very hard turns, the rig will want to buck and bind.

example, i just got back from eating out and the space in my driveway is tight due to all the snow we've gotten lately. so, i make a hard right, and the steering wheel twitches left when it is near full lock. this is something i have NEVER noticed before, making me think something is wrong.

it does this going forward and in reverse, and i have no idea what it is. help!


thanks in advance,
Ryan

I think you'll find that ALL full time 4WD vehicles will do this when making a hard lock to lock turn. You're going to notice it in most other vehicles when you have 4WD locked in too. You're forcing the front wheels to pull in a much shorter arc than they would normally. This is my experience anyway

[greasefingers]

The only thing one can do is change the fluid when required. However, if you are wheeling often then I would change all fluids more often. In other words if the owners manual states that the transfer case, diffs & tranny needs replacement every 30k miles then I would do it every 15k miles, but only if I were towing or wheeling.

[squid2004]

My '01 does this too.

So is it just normal?


The only other thing I notice is the "whirring" sound when doing like 50-70 on the hwy.


Should I be concerned or is this normal with AWD systems?