Four Wheel Drive System

Description of Four Wheel Drive System

Four wheel drive systems allow all four wheels on a vehicle to spin simultaneously. All 4WD vehicles have a transfer case between the front and rear axles that prevents the axles from spinning at different speeds. The transfer case allows the engine to provide maximum torque to the axle and wheels in order to maintain traction. Different 4WD configurations exist, and each variation employs different technologies to meet the needs of the driver. Some 4WD systems have a locking differential. This means both wheels on the axle will turn together to achieve maximum traction. Another variation is the limited-slip differential. It can detect a slide or slip in one wheel and send torque to the other wheel to regain traction. A manual hub requires users to manually engage the front wheel drive mechanism in order to fully engage the 4WD system, while an automatic hub allows users to automatically command the front wheels in order to engage the 4WD system. Our service staff has extensive experience working on all types of 4WD systems.

Benefits of Four Wheel Drive System

Smooth and consistent four wheel drive system performance is made possible through routine maintenance, which can vary from vehicle to vehicle and from system to system. This makes consulting your owner’s manual extremely important when it comes to scheduling services within the proper maintenance intervals. Rougher terrain can have a heavier impact on the life of your 4WD system. When scheduling 4WD maintenance, consider where you drive most often and how much time your vehicle spends traversing difficult terrain. Symptoms that show 4WD system repairs are needed include excessive noise while switching between gears, transfer case gear leaks and failures, unusual vibrations, and of course, a warning light on the dashboard. Whether you are in need of an inspection or repair, our staff is ready to help you with all aspects of 4WD maintenance.

 

Doug’s Auto Repair proudly serves the Four Wheel Drive System needs of customers in Nepean, ON, Ottawa, ON, Kanata, ON, and surrounding areas.

The Basics Behind Four Wheel Drive Inspection Services at Doug’s Auto Repair

Four wheel drive allows a vehicle to supply power to all four of its wheels. Drivers depend on four wheel drive systems to give them better traction on snow, ice, and off-road terrain. Vehicles with 4WD can be full-time or part-time. A part time 4WD system can be engaged and disengaged as desired by the driver and is designed to be used under conditions where poor traction is an issue. Standard full-time 4WD systems consistently deliver power to all four wheels, and can be operated while driving on any type of surface. The goal of a 4WD system is to send torque to the wheels to prevent slippage. A four wheel drive system is composed of various parts. These include the differentials, hubs, and the transfer case. A transfer case is responsible for delivering power to both the front and rear axles, while hubs help secure the wheels. To keep a 4WD vehicle performing as intended, drivers should watch over the different parts of the system and have them routinely inspected during a 4WD service.

Why Should You Have Four Wheel Drive Inspection Services Performed at Doug’s Auto Repair?

We understand the importance of having and maintaining an operable 4WD system. Our staff knows that transfer cases deal with a high amount of heat and friction that often negatively affect the fluid used in the operation of the gears of this component. If the fluid in your transfer case is contaminated, our 4WD inspection service can help. Our service staff will also inspect or examine the gears, shafts, and hubs on your vehicle. Faulty hubs can prevent a part-time 4WD vehicle from switching between driving modes. If you experience any problems engaging or disengaging from a part-time 4WD vehicle, or you suspect the time for a checkup has arrived, give us a visit for a four wheel drive inspection.

We proudly service the Four Wheel Drive Inspection needs of customers in Nepean, ON, Ottawa, ON, Kanata, ON, and surrounding areas.

Areas Served :
Nepean, ON | Ottawa, ON | Kanata, ON | and surrounding areas

The Basics Behind Hub Services at Doug’s Auto Repair

Locking hubs, also known as free wheeling hubs, play an important role in four wheel drive systems. Usually located on the front wheels of part-time 4WD vehicles, locking hubs are used to engage the front wheels and transform them into drive wheels as needed. Without locking hubs, a vehicle will not be able to enter into four wheel drive mode. In addition, locking hubs are responsible for disengaging a vehicle from four wheel drive. Working hubs on a part-time 4WD vehicle are important if a driver wants the benefits of each drive mode. Four wheel drive allows a motorist to maintain a high level of control when driving on rough terrain and in harsh environmental conditions, while two wheel drive provides better fuel economy and prevents excessive tire wear. Locking hubs are useful because they make switching between these modes possible.

Why Should You Have Hub Services Performed at Doug’s Auto Repair?

When locking hubs are exposed to the environment, they often incur damage. This makes hub maintenance extremely important for extending the life of your locking hubs. If your hubs are damaged or malfunctioning, please bring your vehicle in for a hub repair. In severe cases, damaged hubs may be unable to engage the drive axle. If this happens, you will not be able to engage four wheel drive. A faulty hub can also cause the reverse condition and prevent you from being unable to disengage from four wheel drive. Depending upon the damage, a hub replacement may be necessary, though in some cases, our service staff may be able to save the hub with a minor repair procedure. At the end of every service, your wheel hubs will be performing as expected.

We proudly service the Hub Service needs of customers in Nepean, ON, Ottawa, ON, Kanata, ON, and surrounding areas.

Areas Served :
Nepean, ON | Ottawa, ON | Kanata, ON | and surrounding areas

The Basics Behind Transfer Case Repair Services at Doug’s Auto Repair

Four wheel drive systems operate with the help of a transfer case, a type of gearbox that is usually located behind the transmission. The purpose of the transfer case is to help the vehicle apply the correct amount of torque required by the driver. In 4WD and all wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case uses gears (and often a chain if the vehicle is a modern make or model) to help the vehicle enter into or maintain four wheel drive. All transfer cases also use a lubricant to keep the gears operating correctly. Because transfer cases play a key role in the performance of a 4WD vehicle, we advise our customers to watch over and repair their respective transfer cases when needed. Depending on the vehicle, recommended transfer case inspection intervals will vary. As such, drivers should look to their owner’s manuals and vehicle manufacturers for recommendations.

Why Should You Have Transfer Case Repair Services Performed at Doug’s Auto Repair?

If you are experiencing problems with your transfer case, bring your 4WD vehicle into our shop and allow our service staff to have a look. Are you experiencing grinding noises, lubrication leaks, or some other problem? Our staff has the right tools to inspect your transfer case, and we will work hard to repair or replace your transfer case so your 4WD vehicle performs optimally. During our service, we can also check if your lubricant is dirty, and drain and replace the fluid for you. Be sure to keep up with service intervals for basic transfer case maintenance. But the next time you experience a problem, just give us a call or visit to see if our transfer case repair service is right for your situation. We look forward to getting your 4WD vehicle working correctly again.

We proudly service the Transfer Case Repair needs of customers in Nepean, ON, Ottawa, ON, Kanata, ON, and surrounding areas.

Areas Served :
Nepean, ON | Ottawa, ON | Kanata, ON | and surrounding areas

The Basics Behind Transfer Case Services at Doug’s Auto Repair

A transfer case is one of the serviceable components in a four wheel drive system. Present in both full-time and part-time 4WD vehicles, the transfer case operates with the help of gears and, in many modern cars, a chain. Usually, a transfer case indirectly connects to the transmission’s rear. The transmission sends power to the transfer case which in turn sends the power, or torque, to the front and rear drive shafts. Because of the transfer case, the wheels can spin at the same speed, and the vehicle is able to enter or maintain its four wheel drive. Often, part-time 4WD vehicles use a transfer case with an extra set of gears that allows for the creation of extra torque through the selection of a high or low gear range. This can make it easier to climb steep hills and mountains. Transfer cases also contain a lubricant that keeps gears running correctly. Because they are a significant part of the 4WD system, it is important that drivers maintain them.

Why Should You Have Transfer Case Services Performed at Doug’s Auto Repair?

Adhering to proper service intervals for transfer case maintenance can help extend the life of your transfer case and 4WD system. Being aware of the symptoms of a faulty transfer case can also help with determining the proper time to have your transfer case serviced. Warning signs include grinding noise, difficulty shifting into 4WD, and leaking lubrication. In a part-time 4WD vehicle, a faulty transfer case can prevent the vehicle from engaging or disengaging from four wheel drive. In addition, contaminated lubricant can harm the gears inside the transfer case. Our staff can look over your transfer case and replace any bad fluid. We’ll also review the case, its gears, and if present, the chain. When you’re ready, let us help you prevent unnecessary damage to your 4WD system with our transfer case service.

We proudly service the Transfer Case Service needs of customers in Nepean, ON, Ottawa, ON, Kanata, ON, and surrounding areas.

Areas Served :
Nepean, ON | Ottawa, ON | Kanata, ON | and surrounding areas