Question about disengaging 4wd

[s2000]

I have a 94 X with auto hubs, and I was wondering is it necessary to back up 10-20 ft when you disengage the 4WD? I talked to my mechanic today and he said that you can just push the button to disengage the 4WD and as long as the 4WD light is off then it has disengage and you don't need to stop and back up. He said you only need to back up when the 4WD won't disengage. Is this true? Will is damage or put additional wear on the 4WD system? Thanks for you help.

 

[Opera House]

Both right

Turning it off disables the 4WD at the transfer case. The front differential can still be connected to the wheels. The auto hubs will disengage over time regardless. Because of grease and cold temperatures, backing up helps speed things along. Usually only takes a couple feet.

 

[s2000]

I am asking this because we mainly use our X for skiing and when you drive on the highway it could go from lots of snow to bare pavement...therefore it would be hard to stop and backup. So once I hit the pavement is it ok to just click the button without stoping and backing up? Will it put additional wear or do any damage to the auto hubs?

 

[sonik]

I'd say it would be better to do the back up procedure, but you could do it at the next rest stop and not on the side of the highway.

From Seattle? Hope you enjoyed the recent snow. Mine finally got to see some...