Pulls to the Right When Auto 4x4 Engaged

[RickAKATed10]

I've searched and found some similar/helpful threads...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202166
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201782
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1951758&postcount=2
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282717
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232754

I just wanted to see if anyone has any new insight though. I just got my Explorer and whenever I'm driving, mind you, roads are clear, and I press the 4x4 button on the dash, I begin pulling to the right. Hard enough that I have to keep a tight grip on the wheel and hold it off center. Press the button to turn it off and I drive straight as an arrow.

All tires are the same and inflated to the same PSI.
Front Bearings new as of 7/2009.

So, any insight? Thank you.

 

[Roadrunner777]

I have had this problem. I fixed 2 things to get it to work right. First, I installed missing spline washers and C-clips on the tip of the axles. Next, I replaced the right outer U-joint. The U-joint looked perfectly normal, until I removed the axle to do ball joints. It was frozen in almost a straight position.

 

[RickAKATed10]

I have had this problem. I fixed 2 things to get it to work right. First, I installed missing spline washers and C-clips on the tip of the axles. Next, I replaced the right outer U-joint. The U-joint looked perfectly normal, until I removed the axle to do ball joints. It was frozen in almost a straight position.

Wow. That's really interesting. Thank you for the information. It definitely gives me a place to start. I truly appreciate it.

Did you hear any noises or any other other symptoms?

 

[Roadrunner777]

Run hubs open and in 4x4 mode, and do some tight turns (like parking the wrong way tight). You may hear some alarming noises. I'd check the spline washer and clips first. Take off the wheels and hubs, see if the axles are getting sucked into the spindles. Turn the steering back and forth, see if everything is pivoting the way it should. With it supported by the frame, put the tires back on, hubs locked, and turn them by hand. Look and listen.

 

[RickAKATed10]

Run hubs open and in 4x4 mode, and do some tight turns (like parking the wrong way tight). You may hear some alarming noises. I'd check the spline washer and clips first. Take off the wheels and hubs, see if the axles are getting sucked into the spindles. Turn the steering back and forth, see if everything is pivoting the way it should. With it supported by the frame, put the tires back on, hubs locked, and turn them by hand. Look and listen.

Thank you. I think this will be a Friday-after-work project to try and tackle. I truly appreciate your feedback. I'll keep those interested posted on how it goes and what we find.