Author Topic: Front wheels hard to spin  (Read 5759 times)

Offline 79brent

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Front wheels hard to spin
« on: August 27, 2012, 02:18:59 pm »
thanks ahead of time for all your help.
Now my question is when i have my truck jacked in the air the front tires hardly spin, what causes this? I mean you actually have to use muscle to spin em. Shouldnt they just free spin when spun around? Oh and my truck is 2wd. Thanks
1979 Chevy C10 Silverado package. 350/350

"Lifes a garden DIG it"

Offline jaredts

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Re: Front wheels hard to spin
« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2012, 02:29:07 pm »
I would try to use a c clamp on the brakes to push the piston back out of the way.  If they are hard to spin with the brake pads released I'm curious if it feels or sounds rough--could be wheel bearings.  Depending on how hard it is it could just be normal pressure from the pads, siezed calipers, or rubber brake lines that need replaced.

Online bd

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Re: Front wheels hard to spin
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2012, 03:08:08 pm »
X2
Could also have calipers binding on the slides or wheel bearings that are adjusted too tight.  How full is the master cylinder and does the cap gasket look swollen?
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline 79brent

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Re: Front wheels hard to spin
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2012, 07:47:35 pm »
There is no noise and i dont feel any grinding when i spin them. If i give it a good spin it will only go a quarter of the way around. Any way to tell if the hoses need replaced or the calipers? My master cylinder is full but no bulges or nothing. Also ive been have a problem with clunking from the front endand from under the cab area? Sway bar bushings are new but i dont got enough money to replace the whole front end yet. Also motor mounts are a year old and tranny mount is brand new as are the u joints. Thanks for the quick responses
1979 Chevy C10 Silverado package. 350/350

"Lifes a garden DIG it"

Offline zieg85

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Re: Front wheels hard to spin
« Reply #4 on: August 27, 2012, 08:15:06 pm »
To check the hoses loosen the bleeder on the caliper to burp it.  If the hoses are bad the caliper should release and the wheel should spin free...
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Online bd

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Re: Front wheels hard to spin
« Reply #5 on: August 27, 2012, 08:35:24 pm »
X2 - If the hoses check okay, read on...

There is no noise and i dont feel any grinding when i spin them. If i give it a good spin it will only go a quarter of the way around. Any way to tell if the hoses need replaced or the calipers? My master cylinder is full but no bulges or nothing. Also ive been have a problem with clunking from the front endand from under the cab area? Sway bar bushings are new but i dont got enough money to replace the whole front end yet. Also motor mounts are a year old and tranny mount is brand new as are the u joints. Thanks for the quick responses

The calipers may have accumulated a little internal sediment over the years that bind the pistons just enough to prevent them from releasing completely.  Slip the calipers off the spindle, compress the pistons like Jaredts suggested, give the caliper slides a thorough wire brushing, then lube the slides sparingly with a good caliper lube (http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/lubricants/specialty_lubricants/auto_Permatex_Ultra_Disc_Brake_Caliper_Lube_Hi-Temp_Silicone_Formula.htm and reassemble.  Bleed the brakes until the fluid is clear and see if the wheels spin any easier.

On the "clunk," check the upper and lower A-frame bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, Pitman arm, shock absorbers, and wheel bearings for looseness.  Check the frame rail in the vicinity of the steering gear for cracks.  Check the condition of the cab mounts.  Verify the transmission crossmember-to-frame bolts are tight and not showing rust tracks.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline 79brent

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Re: Front wheels hard to spin
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2012, 11:16:01 am »
Thanks for the help guys, turns out it was the calipers. They were so siezed up that when i had the wheel off i could barely spin the rotor. I just bought new ones ($12.99 lol) and it feels like i built my motor haha.
Thanks again, Brent.
1979 Chevy C10 Silverado package. 350/350

"Lifes a garden DIG it"