4WD Locking Issues + steering squeak -- advice appreciated!

[99escalade99]

Newbie here, appreciating all the good advice on the forum. Maybe someone can help...

I have a 99 Escalade with push-button 4WD on the dash. It rains so rarely in SoCal that the roads get pretty slick each downpour, so I'll occasionally drive in AUTO-4WD mode (not HI or LO). The problem I have is when I am going less than 10 mph making a full turn with the wheel fully cranked to one side or the other, my truck slows down and feels like it's getting caught somewhere in the transmission or transfer case. It never does this in 2WD, ever. It even makes the steering feel like its difficult to turn, and if I give it any more gas I hear some popping(?) noises of some kind.

On another note, the steering column makes this squeaking sound like rubber or plastic is rubbing somewhere behind the steering wheel when I make the first few turns of the day. What the heck is that business all about?

Anyone experience the same thing, either problem?

:umn:

 

[djtecthreat]

That first problem is because the front differential and hubs are engaged and you're fighting the front wheels (as opposed to them spinning freely) because they are spinning at different speeds from the rear wheels. This is bad and if you're on dry (rainy???) ground in 4x4 you are most likely doing damage to the transfer, front differential, front hub, etc..

I'd stick to engaging the 4x4 if you're stuck. 4x4 won't help you in a slide or loss of control making it kind of useless in the rain.