Hi,
I have a 1998 Magnum 4x4. The problem is that while in 2WD while in motion it sometimes all of a sudden pulls dramatically to the left. Scary. The only way to get it to stop doing this is to go in reverse about 15 feet and then it starts going normally again. I've replaced the hub assembly, bearings, and all of that stuff thinking maybe that was the problem. But come to realize, it wasn't because it's still doing that. Now the only thing left to think of is something going wrong in the 4WD system and that one wheel is locking in? Anyone have any ideas??

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: gersha

Hi,
I have a 1998 Magnum 4x4. The problem is that while in 2WD while in motion it sometimes all of a sudden pulls dramatically to the left. Scary. The only way to get it to stop doing this is to go in reverse about 15 feet and then it starts going normally again. I've replaced the hub assembly, bearings, and all of that stuff thinking maybe that was the problem. But come to realize, it wasn't because it's still doing that. Now the only thing left to think of is something going wrong in the 4WD system and that one wheel is locking in? Anyone have any ideas??</end quote></div>

I have exactly the same machine, with exactly the same issue. I've learned to live with it, usually only happens when starting out from a stop, doesn't grab once in motion. I've pulled the hubs apart, cleaned, and changed lube, but no new parts. A search brought this old posting up, thought I'd get it back out on the forum. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

 

The hub has a electromagnet coil in it. When AWD is selected the coil is energized and applies drag to a flat disk-like plate that mates with a cage assembly that contains a bunch of steel pins. Normally the front wheel rolls faster than the front axle. When you start to lose traction at the rear tires, the front axle tries to drive the front tire. That reletive motion betweent the front axle at the wheel causes the rollers to cam-out and wedge, transferring torque. If the AWD roller clutch is "self energizing" when in 2wd, it could be a couple things. 1) the fluid in the hub is old, dirty, sticky, or contaminated causes excessive drag that is initiating the locking action. 2) the electromagnet coil that is pressed into the strut assembly has worked its way out and is dragging against the plate mentioned above. Worn bearings may also be allowing movement that creates drag on the plate 3)The small spring that is wrapped around the rollers to keep them from locking inadvertently is broken or weak, allowing centrifugal force to fling the rollers outward and initiate the wedging action.

The first and simplest thing to try is fresh oil in the hub. If that doesn't work, time to dissassemble and inspect. Good luck.