jerky 4x4

[krleenm]

I recently had my YJ on ice packed roads and had it in four wheel drive and
noticed something strange. Every 12 seconds or so the front end seemed to
jerk while running at about 35MPH. It is quite violent and causes things to get a little wild on the ice. This happens in both high and low range. Any
thoughts on what could be causing my problem?

 

[SteelHeadz]

Possibly, Ice got stuck on your wheel inboard causing a wobble. will it do it on 2WD?. is it a side to side jerking or up and down?

 

[mud4feet]

Ice is causing the problem!! You probably hit a "dry" patch. There is no "ultimate" cure for ice.....4wd, AWD,doesn't matter. "black ice" especially. If you want traction on ice, put spikes in your tires like those insane motorcycle racers do. Otherwise, be very careful and live with it and be grateful you drive a Jeep.

 

[xt master]

Possible broken tooth on one of the gears?If it is in a pattern that would be my guess.

 

[krleenm]

This only happened in four wheel drive and it is very regular when it happens, it feels
like a hub slipping or giving way, definitly some sort of torque problem. I wonder if
someone may have changed gear sets and not matched the gears right? It could be
a gear tooth but on a 12 second frequency it would have to be on a big gear. It is
very strange

 

[wrangler_x03]

It could be
a gear tooth but on a 12 second frequency it would have to be on a big gear. It is
very strange

not that strange when i broke a tooth in my rear axle it only poped at high accelaration or when i took a turn.

 

[TerryMason]

have you tried 4x4 since then?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Could be the vacuum disconnect on the front axle not fully engaging. Or a broken mode fork in the transfer case. Drain and check the transfer case fluid for any metal or plastic.

 

[krleenm]

Hi, I have not tried 4 wheel since this weekend on ice but I will put it through
the paces this coming weekend. A good possibility on the vacuum disconnect,
I have had to replace alot of rubber hose due to being dried out and cracked.
I live in the four corners region of the southwest, rubber and plastics don't
last long here. I will check that vacuum line.

 

[krleenm]

Thanks to all of you for your help with this problem! I will be trouble shooting this
weekend and will post my results. Of course I'm going for the simple fix first...

Thanks Again
Ken

 

[88Wrangles]

Is it solid ice? If you run it in 4wd on dry or just wet pavement it'll act like that too.

 

[smell my dirty poodle]

mine didd the exact same thing. the transfer case was loose. .02

 

[krleenm]

I ran the 4x4 this weekend in mud, ice and dry pavement and found that the problem
persists in all conditions. For some reason the dry pavement had the mildest reaction
A very light jerk or pop. I have also checked the vacuum lines going to the front end
and found them to be rotten so I am going to replace them and also check the
transfer case mounts. Thanks again