A Crash Course on 4WD Systems

Reading Time: 4 minutes

You’ve probably seen a couple of 4×4 vehicles roaming the streets and conquering the great outdoors.

Aside from having that extra power and improved traction, 4×4 vehicles are also designed with all-terrain flexibility and impressive towing power, making them the ideal off-roading companion.

4×4 vehicles have these advantages because they come with a four-wheel drive (4WD) system.

What’s a 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle?

A vehicle with a four-wheel drive system has two differentials that let the front and rear wheels travel at certain distances and speeds while cornering or driving over bumps.

Essentially, cars with a 4WD system have engine torque that applies to all four wheels instead of two.

When Should You Use 4WD?

Heavy-duty jobs like hauling or towing are best suited for four-wheel driving.

Rugged terrain, off-road trails, snow-filled streets, and muddy roads are conditions where the feature applies, but it’s not ideal for regular roads.

4WD isn’t an all-terrain feature. Rugged terrain, off-road trails, snow-filled streets, and muddy roads are conditions where the feature applies, but it’s not ideal for regular roads.

Using 4WD on smooth and paved surfaces makes the vehicle consume more fuel than necessary because it requires more power to operate the gears and driveshaft.

How to Use 4WD

4WD systems usually have three positions in their transfer case that let the driver select a gear ratio. Here’s how each one works.

4WD High

There’s no gear reduction in 4WD high, and it has less traction than 4WD low. It’s used on slippery surfaces or whenever you’re stuck in snow, mud, or ice.

4WD Low

Using 4WD low restricts the vehicle to low speeds on slippery surfaces. It’s ideal for towing under low speeds and when ascending and descending from steep grades.

4WD low also works best when traversing rough terrain like deep sand because it can give you more traction but less torque.

2H

This mode puts the vehicle in two-wheel drive mode, which usually powers the rear drive wheels. There’s no gear reduction in the transfer case under this mode.

Keep in mind that not all 4×4 vehicles are capable of shifting to 4WD when in motion.

Some older 4WD systems require the driver to stop the vehicle completely at park or neutral. Meanwhile, newer vehicles let drivers shift to 4WD without stopping.

Sophisticated 4WD systems automatically shift in and out of four-wheel driving, depending on the amount of traction the vehicle needs.

4WD Maintenance

You’ll need to keep an eye out for potential issues that could develop in the transfer case and differential.

Owning a 4×4 requires more maintenance tasks than your average vehicle. You’ll need to keep an eye out for potential issues that could develop in the transfer case and differential.

Like most engine components, the transfer case needs fluid to keep everything running smoothly.

Depending on how often you use 4WD, you might need to replace the transfer case fluid once every 50,000 miles and the differential fluid between 30,000 and 60,000 miles.

You must also use the 4WD system regularly. Leaving it unused for months can cause the hub and linkages to seize and the seals to dry out.

If you’re not going off-roading anytime soon, driving your 4×4 on wet pavement while doing figures of eight is one way of maintaining the 4WD system in operating condition.

Common Problems with 4WD Systems

4×4 vehicles are built to handle the toughest road conditions out there, but they’re not exactly bulletproof. Here are some of the most common problems you might encounter while driving a vehicle with a 4WD system.

Worn-Out Shocks

Shock absorbers dampen and control the movement of the springs, preventing the vehicle from bouncing up and down after hitting bumps. Shocks essentially control handling, while the springs support the weight of the vehicle.

Your vehicle’s suspension system absorbs most of the impact when driving on rough terrain, which also causes the shocks to wear out faster than normal.

After some time, you might notice that your rides are getting bumpier than the last one because the shocks can’t absorb impact anymore.

Damaged Transfer Case

The transfer case uses the driveshaft to transfer power from the transmission to the axles. In the case of a 4×4, the transfer case lets the driver select an appropriate gear ratio, depending on the road condition.

Regular wear and tear, low fluid levels due to leaks, and poor maintenance are some of the reasons why a transfer case can fail.

Once it does, you won’t be able to use the four-wheel drive system.

Malfunctioning 4WD Feature

You might notice a warning light on your dashboard indicating that the 4WD system isn’t working as it should. In most cases, an overheated transfer case, sensor failure, and incomplete gearshift are the culprit.

Once this happens, you might still be able to drive your vehicle in 2WD mode. However, it’s best to have your vehicle checked by a trained professional, especially if you’re planning an off-roading adventure anytime soon.

Cracked Chassis

Driving on rough terrain will most likely cause your chassis to crack. While small cracks might not seem like a major issue, they can let moisture in and accelerate the rusting process.

Speed Variation Techniques in 4WD Systems

Three methods make front-to-rear driveline speed variation possible: locking hubs, auto locking hubs, and full-time four-wheel drive.

Locking Hubs

As the transfer case powers the differential, torque is also applied to the drive axles and locking hubs. If the vehicle is using 4WD high, the front hubs must be unlocked. Front hubs are locked only when the vehicle is driven on loose road surfaces.

Auto Locking Hubs

This method lets the hubs “free wheel” and the front wheels rotate at a different speed from the rear wheels. The hubs will automatically lock as soon as a great difference in speed is detected from the front and rear wheels.

Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive

This method uses a center differential so that the front and rear wheels can travel at different speeds under all operating conditions.

The post A Crash Course on 4WD Systems appeared first on In The Garage with CarParts.com.

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