Hello everybody,
I have just registered after searching the internet for a possible solution to my problem.
I am a tech at a john deere dealer in south ga. We have "2" xuv 825i gators sitting next to each other with very similar problems. The one I am working on has 149 hrs and is a 2011. The problem is at around 10-15 mph in 2 wheel drive going forward the front end starts grinding and growling and the steering gets very stiff. Almost as if the front axle is trying to engage even in 2wd.
If you come to a complete stop and back up the noise goes away and the steering loosens up.

We have checked all the obvious things and even opened up a dtac case. Any ideas?

Also since I have found this forum and do work on quite a few gators, I will visit regularly and try to share what knowledge I have and try to help when I can. Thanks,
Bulldogfan.