front axle rubbing

[thistle3585]

I left my hubs in 4x4 while the Transfer Case was in 4x2 and drove that way for about two weeks. I noticed a rubbing sound in the front differential, so I looked at the hubs and realized what I had done and switched them and the sound went away. I figured I'd take a look at them when I had time this summer. A week ago, I started hearing a louder rubbing/squealing sound from the front hubs. I only noticed it when I passed a parked car because the sound was reflecting off it. I lifted the Jeep up and spun the tires and noticed more of a rubbing sound on the drivers side than the passenger. I reached under and turned the front drive shaft and noticed that the axle shaft turned on the drivers side axle but not on the passengers side. It looked like the passenger side was binding. With the hubs and the Transfer Case in 4x2, should both axles turn if I turn the front drive shaft?

 

[Torxhead]

When you rotate one front wheel while the front end is in the air, they will only both rotate when there is some type of traction aiding differential up front. As for that noise, no harm should be done by driving with the front hubs locked, I think you should pull the locking hubs off and then listen for that noise.

 

[Old Dog]

As Torx said, driving with the hubs locked should not cause any damage.

Might be a good time to check the spindle bearings.

 

[thistle3585]

I decided to take the jeep over to my shop, which is a couple blocks away, and about two blocks away the noise started to lessen and went away. I drove it to lunch, maybe two miles, and not a squeak. Not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing. We had a series of torrential rains and I'm wondering if there had been a rust issue? I am going to pull the hubs off. Should I try packing some grease in them? If so, should I use anything specific?

 

[Torxhead]

If you put grease in your locking hubs, use very little, as it will affect their operation. That noise might need a bearing repack and adjustment.

 

[Old Dog]

If it was mine...I'd spend the day checking all the bearings. It's always a good thing to do if you haven't done it in awhile.
With all the rain and water, checking the diff. for water might be a good idea also.

 

[mtnwhlr]

If it was mine...I'd spend the day checking all the bearings. It's always a good thing to do if you haven't done it in awhile.
With all the rain and water, checking the diff. for water might be a good idea also.