Jeep in 2wd binding problem

[Tristan]

For a 99 jeep Cherokee sport 4.0L. Before i discovered the difference between part time and full time 4WD i would use part time as my default 4wd. I used part time for about a mouth before i discovered i had it backwards. When I first bought the jeep it i could make sharp turns in 2wd just fine, but after i started using the wrong 4WD, in 2wd turning sharp it would feel like it was binding like it did when i turned in part time. From what i could tell the U-joints are fine they do not jiggle or feel loose so why is it binding in 2wd?? could it be something in the t-case?? its a 242 t-case

Topic

[Roy French]

It sounds like you aren’t coming out of four wheel drive. You might be able to jack up one front tire and try to rotate it. If you cant turn it you are in 4 wheel still.

[William Sevier]

Ok, with the vehicle parked, jack up just the front end. Once you do so apply the parking brake and block the rear wheels, then shift your transmission into neutral, get out and spin the front wheels, if they spin freely of each other you have some sort of bearing issues or drag somewhere. If you spin the one of the front wheels and they both spin your front differential/driveline is engaged still which means that the 4WD vacuum actuator on the front passenger side of the front axle is stuck in the engaged position and thus giving you your turning problems. I know when these systems get old and neglected they will not disengage so your front axle is engaged but the transfer case isn’t so it makes it feel like you are in 4WD, and in fact you are not, just the front axle hasn’t disengaged.

You can either replace the actuator or there are manual control kits you can get, as well as manual locking hubs. Either way you most likely have an actuator that has seized and locked your front axle in permanently. Get it fixed, as it will quickly lower your fuel economy LOL.

[Tristan]

alright thank you both! i will try jacking it up this week end and try spinning the front wheels, i hove notice that my mpg has gone down quite a bit lately

[Michael]

is the 4WD indicator lights on the dash turning on or off it
could be the sensor/switch on the transfer case

[college man]

see if this helps.

http://www.jeep.com/en/4×4/how_systems_work/command_trac/

http://jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4669650

[William Sevier]

Good links, but not exactly describing the problem. As mileage climbs on these Jeeps the vacuum disconnect on the front axle usually starts to go bad, and rather than disengaging when 2WD mode is selected it stays locked in which acts like leaving the manual hubs engaged on older trucks, thus on the Jeeps making it feel like the 4WD is engaged, when in reality it is not, its just the axle is still connected together making the scrubbing and extra drive train component noises, and also lowering fuel economy.

[Tristan]

I’m sorry i have not replayed lately, i plan on testing the 4WD actuator this weekend i just have been really busy

[Tristan]

All right, i jacked up the front end and spun the front wheels, when i spun one wheel the other did not spin at all. The front drive shaft did spin while spinning one wheel. Also when i spun the left front tire it seemed to have a little more resistance to it than the right tire. I was looking along the axle and i could not fine the actuator, as i don’t know what it looks like or what to look for.

[Author]

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