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4WD & AWD systems explained

1460 messages,  Last post on Sep 21, 2012 at 9:29 AM

You are in the SUVs Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Suburban, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Subaru Outback, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, GMC Envoy, Performance Mods, Tires, Suspension, Transmission, Truck, SUV

Messages Page 99 of 147

#973 of 1460 4x4 System Light Stuck On by jonings

Oct 22, 2005 (10:41 pm)

Well, I have a 1994 ford Explorer XL, w/ 216,000 km on it, and recently the 4x4 indicator light on the push button system stuck on, in that it will not go out, and the little 4x4 light on the dash is also illuminated. Now thw problem lies in that i think i have defectie hubs, b/c i can still spin the vehicle around quite easily, and the wheels do not bind, and it handl;es dry pavement just the same as it always did, but now the front end has a noise that sounds like the transfer case is speeding up as i go faster, just a whir that increases in noise the faster i drive. Is my transfer case or auto hubs to blame, could they be faulty? I push the button to disengage the 4x4 but all i get is 2 clicks from the backend, and no ratcheting or clunking, or feeling that the 4x4 driveline is disengaging or engaging. However, my fuel economy does not suffer, which suggests i am not actually in 4x4 mode, but again the noise from the front that was non existant before this. Please help me! And what sort of damage would occur if indeed i was in 4x4 and driving on pavement?

#974 of 1460 limited slip for 2wd QX4 by archimedes

Oct 29, 2005 (6:28 pm)

I'm thinking of putting an lsd in my 2001 2wd QX4. Anyone have any experience or opinion regarding how much this will help? I live in north Florida, so 4wd is not critical. I would just be looking to get a little better manueverability when driving on sand, wet grass, or dirt. Have read mixed opinions. Some feel that open differentials are fine, and some that the lsd gives you just the amount of added traction needed.
  
Also, I've gotten mixed input on cost. The lsd from infiniti, or even an after market original parts outfit will cost around $1000 or more, then about $200 to install. For that price, I could go through 2 sets of all terrain tires, possibly a better way to go. But, I also found an online vendor (won't mention name) that has an lsd for the pathfinder (mechanically idential to Q) for $400. Haven't been able to get the low-down on differences in quality, workmanship, etc. Is it just the name I pay for when getting the infiniti part, or a substantial quality improvement? My goal is to have an SUV that is a great commuter car (well, gas mileage is ... OK) but is also a great vehicle for camping, kayaking and other excursions that could involve moderate off-road use. My suspicion is that I can achieve this goal by putting on a good set of all-terrain tires and possibly an lsd or locking differential. And, considering I'm in Florida, that may suit my purpose just as well as a 4wd would. Obviously, I don't want to put an unjustified sum of money into a car that maybe will be better off traded within the next 5 years. OTOH, one of these QX4s could be a vehicle that would go to 300-400K miles. I already have 120K on mine.
  
thanks for any input,
Stan

#975 of 1460 Tires by paisan

Oct 30, 2005 (10:29 am)

Go for the tires, the LSD will not help that much on a 2wd vehicle with bad tires. Also the LSD needs to be rebuilt every 70-100k so take that into consideration.
 
-mike

#976 of 1460 I'm with mike by ateixeira

Oct 31, 2005 (10:44 am)

on this one...swap tires first.
 
I'm not sure if they had traction control back then, but if so the rear axle is basically managed by the traction control. A mechanical LSD still would offer some advantages, but less so if you already have T/C.
 
-juice

#977 of 1460 awd will not engage by mfhyatt

Nov 07, 2005 (9:51 am)

Can anyone help me?? The awd will not engage in my 1998 subaru legacy. The only wheel that spins is the front right.

#978 of 1460 Re: awd will not engage [mfhyatt] by ateixeira

Nov 07, 2005 (11:26 am)

Replying to: mfhyatt (Nov 07, 2005 9:51 am)
How do you know? Are all 4 tires on an icy surface, or do you have it on jack stands?
 
-juice

#979 of 1460 Re: awd will not engage [ateixeira] by mfhyatt

Nov 07, 2005 (11:41 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 07, 2005 11:26 am)
Yes, all 4 tires are on a wet surface or a muddy surface. I am a mail carrier and as you know I make many stops at mail boxes that are off the road and when I try to get back on the black top the only tire that spins is the right front. In fact it is just about bald from doing all of the work. I even had to get pushed out 1 time.

#980 of 1460 Auto, right? by ateixeira

Nov 07, 2005 (11:55 am)

Hmm, I saw that you tested using a fuse in the FWD slot in another thread, of course that only disables the auto-AWD.
 
That model has an open front diff. So it makes sense to me that the power would take the path of least resistance and "leak" to the one side, probably the one with less weight/traction.
 
But I'd expect one rear tire to spin as well, even with an open diff. Your AWD must be malfunctioning. It's not a serviceable item, though, so no fluids to check AFAIK.
 
I would put the better tires up front, since they do the steering. Better yet, change any that are bald, perhaps all 4 with some snows. Is there a budget for new tires?
 
Still doesn't explain the AWD malfunction, though. It should be shifting power to the rear axle when it senses slip in the front.
 
-juice

#981 of 1460 Re: Auto, right? [ateixeira] by mfhyatt

Nov 07, 2005 (1:07 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 07, 2005 11:55 am)
Someone told the guy that looked at the car that it may be the mpt clutch. It is located it the back of the transmission. What is your opinion on that and do you know what changing that entails?

#982 of 1460 Multiplate Clutch by ateixeira

Nov 07, 2005 (3:09 pm)

Could very well be, though to be honest failures are so rare I don't recall a single one among Subaru Crew members. Try a Google search, maybe?
 
-juice

Messages Page 99 of 147

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