Front Axle Problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wyoman64 · 02-29-2004, 04:58 PM

Hey All,

I just took my new '69 K20 out for it's first real spin in 4WD and discovered a couple of problems and need some help figuring out what kind of costly repairs I can expect:

Problem 1: While driving in 4WD I get an intermittent bind somewhere in the front axle or hubs. It makes a really sickening "klunk" sound and it'll snap your head forward. I have Spicer hubs and it is very cold out. Could this be a hub not fully engaged?

Problem 2: While inspecting the front end I discovered that my right font spindle and hub assembly has some play in it where it attaches to the axle flange. (See the attached photo, area where there is play is indicated by the red arrow) There's probably 1/16" of slop there, what is involved in fixing this? Is the spindle/wheel bearing nut loose? Or, does the backing plate bolt to the axle flange?

Could the two problems be related?
Sorry for the dumb questions, but I'm new at this . . .any help appreciated.

drink2mny · 02-29-2004, 05:40 PM

As for the spindle being loose, you will need to take the hub off and the rotor to get to the spindle bolts.

And the clunking or binding may be involed with that problem with your axle hitting or having the spindle loose..
you would be amazed what a 1/16 can do to screw up a frontend..

As for a silly question also for the binding did the noise/clink come from your transfercase..

I have seen where 2 different gear ratio's in the front and back causing the transfer case to bind on hard dirt or pavement.. You usually won't get a bind in mud or snow..

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-29-2004, 10:34 PM

No rotor has drums. But the backing plate will come off w/ the spindle.

Scrub · 03-02-2004, 02:09 AM

Hmmm...
I am thinking maybe you have something in the drum that is hanging up, or maybe a broken keeper. If the shoes flop around, they can catch on the side of the drum and really make a bad noise, not to mention a big clunk. I say pull the drums off and have a peek inside before you drive the kids anywhere.

Good luck

wyoman64 · 03-02-2004, 03:01 PM

Thanks Scrub, it only does it when it's in 4WD though, but I agree, I need to have a look-see inside.

ZOOMY · 03-07-2004, 06:51 AM

I had a roller in a wheel bearing do that once. The roller was disintegrating a little bit at a time. The little piece would then get crushed in the rest of the bearing as it went thru.

02-29-2004, 04:58 PM	#1
wyoman64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Northern Black Hills, SD Posts: 38	Front Axle Problem Hey All, I just took my new '69 K20 out for it's first real spin in 4WD and discovered a couple of problems and need some help figuring out what kind of costly repairs I can expect: Problem 1: While driving in 4WD I get an intermittent bind somewhere in the front axle or hubs. It makes a really sickening "klunk" sound and it'll snap your head forward. I have Spicer hubs and it is very cold out. Could this be a hub not fully engaged? Problem 2: While inspecting the front end I discovered that my right font spindle and hub assembly has some play in it where it attaches to the axle flange. (See the attached photo, area where there is play is indicated by the red arrow) There's probably 1/16" of slop there, what is involved in fixing this? Is the spindle/wheel bearing nut loose? Or, does the backing plate bolt to the axle flange? Could the two problems be related? Sorry for the dumb questions, but I'm new at this . . .any help appreciated. Attached Images __________________ 1969 Chevy K20 Fleetside 1979 Chevy K10 "ROBAHOR" (Rusted Out Beyond All Hope Of Repair)

02-29-2004, 05:40 PM	#2
drink2mny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: spokane wa Posts: 2,189	As for the spindle being loose, you will need to take the hub off and the rotor to get to the spindle bolts. And the clunking or binding may be involed with that problem with your axle hitting or having the spindle loose.. you would be amazed what a 1/16 can do to screw up a frontend.. As for a silly question also for the binding did the noise/clink come from your transfercase.. I have seen where 2 different gear ratio's in the front and back causing the transfer case to bind on hard dirt or pavement.. You usually won't get a bind in mud or snow.. __________________ Support The Board

02-29-2004, 10:34 PM	#3
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	No rotor has drums. But the backing plate will come off w/ the spindle. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

03-02-2004, 02:09 AM	#4
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	Hmmm... I am thinking maybe you have something in the drum that is hanging up, or maybe a broken keeper. If the shoes flop around, they can catch on the side of the drum and really make a bad noise, not to mention a big clunk. I say pull the drums off and have a peek inside before you drive the kids anywhere. Good luck __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

03-02-2004, 03:01 PM	#5
wyoman64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Northern Black Hills, SD Posts: 38	Thanks Scrub, it only does it when it's in 4WD though, but I agree, I need to have a look-see inside. __________________ 1969 Chevy K20 Fleetside 1979 Chevy K10 "ROBAHOR" (Rusted Out Beyond All Hope Of Repair)

03-07-2004, 06:51 AM	#6
ZOOMY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WIS Posts: 1,752	clunk I had a roller in a wheel bearing do that once. The roller was disintegrating a little bit at a time. The little piece would then get crushed in the rest of the bearing as it went thru.



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