My 98 2 door 4x4 tahoe is having rear-end problems when making turns, especially sharp slow turns, the rear left (i think left) tire seems to lock up. but when i step on the brake, it seems to come free. its very obvious cause you can hear the tire being dragged.
any ideas? this is something i have never heard of.

My 98 2 door 4x4 tahoe is having rear-end problems when making turns, especially sharp slow turns, the rear left (i think left) tire seems to lock up. but when i step on the brake, it seems to come free. its very obvious cause you can hear the tire being dragged.
any ideas? this is something i have never heard of.

Positive track rear end?
How many mile on it.
Are tires even size?
Has it ever been serviced?
I would pull the inspection plate and have a look in there?
And Check anti lock and or spider gears.
Does it do it in 2 and 4W both?

Any ABS brake lights on?
Or check transfer case light on?
Is 4W working good?

thanks for replying...
its not posi track if thats what positive track is.
it has about 170,000 miles on it, all tires are same size, i have had it for about 5 years around 110,000 miles on it, with no rear end work by me (not sure prior to that), i made sure it was in 2wd, but i have not used the 4wd in about 2 months, no ABS or any other light on.
i dont know what inspection plate is or spider gears, is that the 'pumpkin,' i do have a Haynes manual, so i will look into that.

i took it around the block today, and did hear a cluck noise when starting to take off to a sharp turn. it came from the rear end, i think its the left rear tire thats locking up.

thanks for replying...
its not posi track if thats what positive track is.
it has about 170,000 miles on it, all tires are same size, i have had it for about 5 years around 110,000 miles on it, with no rear end work by me (not sure prior to that), i made sure it was in 2wd, but i have not used the 4wd in about 2 months, no ABS or any other light on.
i dont know what inspection plate is or spider gears, is that the 'pumpkin,' i do have a Haynes manual, so i will look into that.

i took it around the block today, and did hear a cluck noise when starting to take off to a sharp turn. it came from the rear end, i think its the left rear tire thats locking up.

Sounds like it is about ready to lock up on you.
Pull the cover on the back of it and have a look in there.

Look at the spider gears and the pin that holds them in the case and look at ring gear teeth.
http://www.differentials.com/install.html

If you do not know what to look for find someone that does to help you.
Good luck.

Maybe check the rear brakes 1st (a clue from both your posts). If nothing wrong there then definitely follow MT's advice.

thanks for replying...
its not posi track if thats what positive track is.
it has about 170,000 miles on it, all tires are same size, i have had it for about 5 years around 110,000 miles on it, with no rear end work by me (not sure prior to that), i made sure it was in 2wd, but i have not used the 4wd in about 2 months, no ABS or any other light on.
i dont know what inspection plate is or spider gears, is that the 'pumpkin,' i do have a Haynes manual, so i will look into that.

i took it around the block today, and did hear a cluck noise when starting to take off to a sharp turn. it came from the rear end, i think its the left rear tire thats locking up.

First find out exactly what rear diff you have....then as MT 2500 says open it up....It may be about to blow up....


these rear diff's need fluid replacing and cover removal for inspection and metal debris removal magnet cleaning...It is common knowledge that the lube shops do not do this and as a result these diff's get to fail needlessly....good luck..


the locking of the rear diff is not controlled by the 4wd selector....or any speed sensor....

good luck......................

Look in your glovebox for the RPO code sticker. "G80" is the typical code for the Eaton posi-traction differential. There is also a limited-slip differential option. Here is a link to a website listing these codes:

http://www.c2e.info/rpocodes/gmrpocodesGthroughM.html

Look for a broken spring in the "Gov-Lock" differential:

http://72.19.213.157/files/373carrier2.jpg

[quote=Blue Bowtie]Look for a broken spring in the "Gov-Lock" differential:

very nice picture...

thanks guys, i will be checking my left rear brake drum this weekend. i think that is the one locking up. then i will open up the rear diff.
i know its not posi track, cause i have been stuck before, and only the left rear was spinning.