4x4 question......

MeMe · 04 July 2005, 11:52

.........my Dihatsu Jeep has a tendancy to pull to the left when in four wheel drive. Furthermore when I stop the left front wheel is rather hot (much hotter than all the rest). I have checked the tyre pressures and all seem fine. The brakes work well and when on the road it it is not as bed as when on the beach..... Any ideas ? Thanks.

Janet and Bill · 04 July 2005, 12:01

Have you hd the tracking checked ?

MeMe · 04 July 2005, 12:06

..........assuming it was something a lot more complicated than that but I will do so - thanks.

Nick Hearne · 04 July 2005, 12:11

Do you mean the tyre or the wheel?

Scary Des · 04 July 2005, 12:14

It sounds like a binding brake

what happen when you brake hard does it pull to the left as well

Des

MeMe · 04 July 2005, 12:25

..........it's the wheel that's hot especially aroung the centre hub of the wheel where the big ball thing is...by the way it's fitted with difflocks which move freely but not so well on the problem side ?

Nick Hearne · 04 July 2005, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeMe

..........it's the wheel that's hot especially aroung the centre hub of the wheel where the big ball thing is...by the way it's fitted with difflocks which move freely but not so well on the problem side ?

Yep or how about the wheel bearing?

Simon B · 04 July 2005, 13:29

Do you mean free wheel hubs?
And does your 4 wheel drive use a lever that engages it, possibly with another separate lever for hi/lo ratio.
Usual configuration for similar systems is when in low box all 4 wheels drive in hi only rear.
Difflocks act on the differential usually (lump in middle of axle)
If one free wheel hub is engaged and the other one isnt then you will get drive to one wheel and not the other. Still cant explain the heat with this theory though. Unless its a function of the soft surface causing some sort of differential action..
It does sound like binding brakes but it would be worth checking the hubs out as well.

MeMe · 04 July 2005, 14:03

.....yes, free wheel hubs (I think) there is a spin lock on the centre of the hub that says "lock" and "Free". It is permentantly pointing to "Lock" but will move (both wheels) to "Free". The left side where the trouble is can be a little stiff but it does move.

Yes there is a 2nd lever (apart from the gear shift) that engages four wheel high, low, N, and 2 wheel high (no two wheel low).

When in 2 wheel high on tarmac the jeep still pulls a little to the left however when in four wheel high or low it pulls hard to the left and when at a stop the left wheel/hub/brake is very very hot and a little smelly.

I have not checked the brakes to see if sticking on one side, I will do this at the weekend. If it is the brake how do I free it or is this a job for someone with a few more brain cells than me ?

Scary Des · 04 July 2005, 14:52

If you don’t know what you are doing best to leave brakes alone

if you know what you are doing you can free the calliper (assuming it has discs) by squeezing the piston back with a pair of waterpump pliers.
Although I originally suggested 'binding brake' as the problem it would be worth ruling out other problems. If you can, jack up the front of the car and then turn the wheels by hand, if it is a bearing problem you are likely (but not guaranteed) to have a rumbling noise coming from the hub. If it is a binding brake you might find it stiffer to turn the left wheel than the other. Evidently this a very general answer and there could be 101 other things wrong with it but hopefully this will start you looking in the right direction.

Am I right that you do almost no distance in this car and really only use it on the beach

How long does it take to warm up.

Des

MeMe · 04 July 2005, 16:02

.......and I agree, it's best that I keep well away if in doubt. By the way they are drums not diska - she's a 1980 model F50.

Yes, she is only used to move from the chalet to the beach which is less than 1 mile round trip however, I do give her a good blast each weekend, again only on the beach. I had her engine serviced only a couple of months ago and she starts first time every time. As a deisel she warms up quickly and runs very smooth withing 100 yards with no smoke. I'm pretty lucky really and all for £400 !

Anyway, I'll look at the wheels myself than call in assistance thereafter and report back - thanks again.

The Garfish · 04 July 2005, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeMe

is this a job for someone with a few more brain cells than me ?

62.4 millyon peepul arr noww elijibul forr de jobb ov fiksin meemees 4x3

gArf

MeMe · 05 July 2005, 11:36

.........why I don't I see your application within the pile